Business

Investors Scramble for Fidelity Bank’s Offers

Published

6 months ago

August 9, 2024

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Investors are literally scrambling for shares of Fidelity Bank Plc as the leading commercial bank’s capital raising continues to gather momentum among all categories of investors.

Investors’ appetite for Fidelity Bank is shown in massive subscriptions to its ongoing rights and public offers and voluminous trading at the stock market.

Current weekly report shows that Fidelity Bank was the most active stock at the stock market, outperforming the banking sector and the overall market.

Fidelity Bank recorded a turnover of 1.73 billion shares worth N18.27 billion in 1,579 deals to emerge atop the activities chart for the week.

This implies that Fidelity Bank accounted for 51 per cent and 35 per cent of total volume and value traded during the week. Total turnover for the week at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) stood at 3.39 billion shares worth N52.30 billion in 44,814 deals.

In what underlined the fact that transactions in Fidelity Bank was driven by positive investors’ sentiment, the bank’s share price combined the huge turnover with appreciation.

Contrary to the overall negative performance of the market and the banking sector, Fidelity Bank’s share price rose by 0.05 per cent to N10.75 per share. The benchmark index that measures pricing trend for the equities market, the All Share Index (ASI) of the NGX, closed the week down by 0.46 per cent. The NGX Banking Index, the sectoral index that measures the performance of the banking sector, had closed lower by 0.48 per cent.

The secondary market trading on Fidelity Bank’s shares underscored investment experts’ general view on the attraction of the bank’s ongoing rights and public offers. Experts have categorized Fidelity Bank as a most attractive offer, with the bank carrying the “buy” recommendation in most investment research reports.

For instance, at the ongoing offer prices, Fidelity Bank is locking in immediate double-digit gain of between 11 to 18 per cent for investors in the ongoing rights and public offers, a substantial immediate return that’s unique to the bank among other competitors.

Fidelity Bank had started with a N127.1 billion hybrid offer including a rights issue of 3.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.25 per share and a public offer of 10 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.75 per share.

With massive subscriptions and the offers clearly heading to huge oversubscription, the bank has received approvals to issue additional 8.2 billion ordinary shares to absorb potential oversubscription. Thus, the rights issue size was doubled with additional 3.2 billion shares while 5.0 billion shares were added to the public offer.

Application list for the offers closes on August 12, 2024. A minimum subscription of 1,000 shares or N9, 250 for rights issue and N9, 750 shares for public offer ensures that the generality of the people can benefit from the bank’s ongoing offers.

Experts at Afrinvest West Africa said subscribing to the rights and public offers is a cheaper way as the issuing company bears the cost of transaction compared to the secondary market where the buyer pays transaction charges and levies.

Afrinvest categorised Fidelity Bank as an “opportunity” for the investing public, citing the bank’s impressive historical capital gain and performance records.

Investment experts at Arthur Steven Asset Management said investors in Fidelity Bank’s ongoing rights and public offers stand to reap about 57 per cent in capital gain over a short term period, putting the bank’s shares as valuable inflation-hedging assets.

Analysts at Arthur Steven Asset Management outlined that with a return on equity of 23 per cent, Fidelity Bank has consistently increased dividend payouts for the past three years, rising from 35 kobo per share in 2021 to 40 kobo and 60 kobo in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Analysts noted that the bank has a long-to-deposit ratio of 75 per cent, which underlines Fidelity Bank’s strong commitment to supporting businesses and national economic development. Debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.34 times, showing that the bank has no significant debt burden and thus easily, aggressive growths translate to higher returns to shareholders.

Fidelity Bank has delivered an average annual capital gain of more than 100 per cent over the past five years and ranked among the elite stocks with the highest corporate governance rating at the Nigerian stock market.

The secondary or stock market performance has been driven by massive expansion in business operations and strong growth in profitability. Fidelity Bank has recorded an average annual profit growth of 64 per cent over the past three years.

The bank has also seen rapid expansion in customer base and assets as total balance sheet size leapt from N2.1 trillion to N6.2 trillion, the sixth largest in the Nigerian banking industry. The balance sheet was driven by a hefty total deposit of more than N4 trillion, equally the sixth biggest in the industry.

Business

Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town

Published

6 days ago

January 29, 2025

august24admin

Access Bank to Host Pioneering Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Access Bank PLC is set to host its first-ever Africa Trade Conference (ATC), a landmark event focused on advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, ‘Empowering Africa Through Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth’. Scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference is poised to bring together the most influential voices in trade, finance, and policy to address the future of commerce across the continent.

With Africa’s trade finance gap estimated at $81 billion annually, the conference aims to tackle the systemic challenges hindering trade, particularly for SMEs and domestic firms. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the Conference will explore innovative solutions, sustainable trade practices, and strategies for expanding African economies into global value chains.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank PLC, emphasised the importance of the Africa Trade Conference, in addressing these pressing issues. “The Africa Trade Conference represents a crucial step in redefining Africa’s trade potential. By creating platforms for dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions, Access Bank is enabling African businesses to connect and thrive in the global economy.”

Access Bank’s presence across 24 countries globally, including 16 in Africa, provides a unique advantage in facilitating inter- and intra-African trade. The Bank’s growing network positions it as a key player in addressing trade complexities and promoting inclusive growth across the continent.

Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, highlighted the broader vision of the forum, saying, “The Africa Trade Conference is a platform to not only address Africa’s trade challenges, but to champion the continent’s opportunities. Through strategic partnerships, tailored financial solutions, built on the ethos of sustainability, we are paving the way for Africa’s businesses to take their place on the global stage.”

This flagship event will convene a distinguished line-up of seasoned speakers, and top executives from leading international banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and captains of industry in Africa.

The ATC will also shine a spotlight on the transformative potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance infrastructure, and integrate African economies into global trade networks.

Furthermore, the event will explore critical themes shaping the continent’s economic future, including the transformative role of digitisation and innovation in global trade, solutions for overcoming trade barriers to enhance market access, as well as sustainable trade practices and innovative financing models, thereby providing a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Africa’s position in global commerce. Please visit https://africatradeconference.accessbankplc.com/ for more information.

Business

Union Bank Rewards 360 Customers with N21 Million in First Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Draw

Published

6 days ago

January 29, 2025

august24admin

Union Bank Rewards 360 Customers with N21 Million in First Save and Win Palli Promo 4 Draw

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Union Bank, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has kicked off its Save and Win Palli Promo 4campaign on a high note following the announcement of its first set of winners in its inaugural monthly draws.

The first live draw of this season, which took place at the Bank’s Head Office in Marina, Lagos, rewarded 60 customers with ₦100,000 each. Additionally, 300 other winners went home with ₦50,000 worth of gift vouchers during the inaugural live draw, which was conducted transparently and digitally under the supervision of relevant regulatory bodies. The winners cut across the nation.

Speaking at the first monthly draw, Gloria Omereonye, Union Bank’s Area Business Executive for Lagos Island 1, stated, “Union Bank is always dedicated to rewarding customers for their loyalty and financial discipline.

We are pleased that our promo has continued to achieve its noble goals of providing succour to our customers through our gifts and rewards, especially in these economically trying times, while facilitating a sustainable savings culture for future goals and objectives.”

Save & Win Palli Promo is a nationwide campaign designed to reward both new and existing customers with cash prizes. Season 4, which began in December 2024 and runs until May 2025, offers customers the opportunity to win ₦131 million in cash prizes, Motorcycles, Tricycles, Fuel Vouchers, and a star prize of ₦5 million, which will be handed out to three lucky winners at the grand finale.

Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Win Palli Promo requires participants to save a minimum of ₦10,000 and perform a minimum of five transactions monthly to qualify for draws. Monthly winners can receive ₦100,000, while quarterly draws will reward lucky savers with Motorcycles, Tricycles, and other exciting prizes.

Customers who save in multiples of ₦10,000 will increase their chances of winning.

New customers can join the promo by downloading the UnionMobile app to open an account or visiting any Union Bank branch.

Existing customers can reactivate accounts by calling the 24-hour Contact Centre at 07007007000 or visiting a branch.

Business

Access Bank Clinches THISDAY’s ‘Global Bank of the Year’ Award, Aig-Imoukhuede is Named ‘Titan of the Year’

Published

6 days ago

January 28, 2025

august24admin

Access Bank Clinches THISDAY’s ‘Global Bank of the Year’ Award, Aig-Imoukhuede is Named ‘Titan of the Year’

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Access Bank PLC (‘the Bank’), the flagship subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC (‘the Company’), has been honoured with the prestigious THISDAY Global Bank of the Year award for 2024, recognising its significant impact on the global banking landscape.

R-L: Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director, Access Bank PLC; Tochi Wigwe, Daughter of Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO, Access Holdings; Maame Saarah Buckman; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC; Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, Managing Director, Coronation Asset Management Limited, and Funke Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, at the THISDAY Awards 2025 where Access Bank won Global Bank of the Year award and Aig-Imoukhuede was named Titan of the Year, in Lagos… Monday night

In addition, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, received the distinguished THISDAY Titan of the Year award for his exceptional contributions to the banking sector in 2024.

At THISDAY Awards 2025, Access Bank emerged victorious, surpassing African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) to claim the coveted title. The prestigious award ceremony, held at Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, marked the 30th anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers and the 12th anniversary of Arise News Channel, with the theme, “When the Going Gets Tough… The Tough Get Rewarded.”

THISDAY Newspapers highlighted Access Bank’s nomination, praising its strategic leadership, rapid expansion, and unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability. The bank’s leadership in digital banking was also recognised, with Access Bank receiving multiple accolades, including the 2024 Digital Jurist Award for Best Digital Bank.

In addition to its achievements in digital banking, Access Bank has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, earning the 2024 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for ESG in Nigeria and Ghana.
With an expanding international presence in the United Kingdom, Ghana, United Arabs Emirates, China, and several African nations, Access Bank continues to solidify its position as a major global banking player.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (left) and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, exchanging pleasantries at the THISDAY Awards 2025 where Access Bank won Global Bank of the Year award and Aig-Imoukhuede was named Titan of the Year, in Lagos… Monday night

The bank’s innovative approach is further evidenced by its cutting-edge technological initiatives, including Facepay, Access Closa, the AccessMore mobile app, and Africa Fintech Foundry—further establishing Access Bank as a leader in technological advancements, and underscoring its deserving recognition as Global Bank of the Year.

During his acceptance speech, Access Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, expressed his gratitude to the public, THISDAY Newspapers, and Arise Media Group for the recognition. He remarked, “This award represents 30 years of hard work of doing things differently, and of building on the legacy of industry giants like Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe. We are deeply grateful to our board, management, customers, and stakeholders, who have continuously supported us. This award is for you, and we accept it in your honour.”

In a similar vein, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, along with 11 other influential leaders, was recognised with the THISDAY Titan of the Year award for 2024. Reflecting on his journey, Aig-Imoukhuede shared, “In 1991, Prince Obaigbena and I first met as customer and banker. He told me that anyone fortunate enough to manage his account would one day become a managing director of a bank, and I am thankful that God fulfilled that vision. It is an incredible honour to stand with such esteemed colleagues.”

The star-studded event, which brought together dignitaries from both the private and public sectors, celebrated excellence, innovation, and leadership across industries and the political landscape.