National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has reported a 2 per cent increase in its net profit attributable to shareholders reaching BD19.4 million ($51.5m) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to BD19.1m ($50.7m) in the same period of 2024.
The increase is supported by the group’s diversified revenue streams including fee-based income which registered a 45pc growth, gains from client-related activities and lower provisioning requirements.
Earnings per share increased to 9 fils for the second quarter of 2025 compared with 8 fils in the same period of 2024.
Total comprehensive income attributable to NBB’s shareholders for the quarter decreased by 28pc to BD13.9m compared to BD19.4m in the same period of 2024. The decrease is attributable to the negative mark-to-market movements of the equity and bond portfolios.
NBB has reported a 2pc increase in its net profit attributable to the shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2025, recording BD47.5m ($126m) compared to BD46.6m ($123.6m) for the same period of 2024. The increase was driven by higher operating income supported by stable operating expenses.
Earnings per share remained at 21 fils compared with the same period in 2024.
Total comprehensive income attributable to NBB’s shareholders for the period decreased by 33pc to BD34.3m compared with BD51.4m in 2024. The decrease is attributable to the negative mark-to-market movements of the equity and bond portfolios.
The group’s total equity attributable to shareholders decreased by 4pc as of June 30, 2025 to BD560.4m compared to BD583.8m reported as of December 31, 2024. The change is mainly a reflection of the group’s proactive distribution of value to its shareholders following the approval and declaration of BD56.4m in year-end cash dividends for 2024, while maintaining a robust capital position.
The group’s total assets increased by 8pc during the period to BD5,967.7m compared to BD5,522.2m recorded on December 31, 2024.
Following the group’s strong performance, the board of directors proposed an interim cash dividend amounting to BD22.6m which represents 10pc of share nominal value, equivalent to 10 fils per share. The payment is subject to regulatory approval.
On the occasion, NBB chairperson Hala Yateem said: “NBB has maintained a strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, registering an attributable net profit of BD47.5m, an increase of 2pc compared to the same period last year, and a record result for the first six months of any year. This growth was underpinned by a robust balance sheet, with total assets up 8pc from the year-end level. Following this sustained positive trajectory, the board has approved an interim cash dividend of 10pc, underscoring our ability to deliver consistent returns to shareholders. Our return on average equity of 16.9pc further highlights the group’s financial resilience.
“Beyond the financial metrics, we remain focused on supporting the national developmental agenda through continued investments in community-focused and ESG-driven initiatives. Our progress so far reflects the strength of our current market position as we move into the second half of the year.”
NBB Group chief executive Usman Ahmed commented: “Our operating profit for the first six months of 2025 reached BD53.6m, representing a 4pc increase over the same period last year. A growth of 8pc in total assets and 5pc in customer deposits indicates the strength of our balance sheet and the continued trust of our clients. These results additionally showcase how we continue to enhance our service quality and broaden our social contributions with work that has garnered industry acclaim.
“During the second quarter of the year, NBB received the Euromoney Awards for Excellence for ‘Best Bank in Bahrain’, ‘Best Bank for ESG’, and ‘Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility’ for our standout financial performance, digital transformation initiatives and customer-centricity. We were also named the ‘Best Retail Bank – Bahrain’ and ‘Best Payment Ecosystem Integration for Corporates’ at MEED’s Mena Banking Excellence Awards. Our team remains committed to consistently delivering exceptional customer experiences and sustainable growth across the Group.”