Habib Bank Limited Wednesday (Feb 20) declared a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 12.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, a growth of 41 percent over 2017 with earnings per share at Rs 8.22 compared to Rs 5.79 in 2017. Profit before tax for the year stood at Rs 21.6 billion. Habib Bank also became the first bank in Pakistan to cross Rs 1.0 trillion in total net advances. Along with the results, the Board declared a dividend of Rs 1.25 per share (12.50%), bringing the total dividend for the year 2018 to Rs 4.25 per share.
HBL's core domestic business shows a positive trend in key areas with continued accelerated loan growth of over 30%, adding Rs 200 billion in 2018 alone. The Bank's Consumer loans crossed the Rs 50 billion milestone while SME lending grew by 11% to reach Rs 72 billion. Total deposits in Pakistan reached Rs 1.9 trillion, as HBL maintained its leadership position with a nearly 14% share of the market. The Bank added Rs 81 billion in current deposits, which now constitute 37.6% of the mix, with average current deposits growing at an even more impressive rate of 15%. The excellent growth in key drivers and a consequent Rs 183 billion growth in the average balance sheet resulted in a 2% growth in domestic net interest income. Another strong recovery performance led to a Rs 1.4 billion reversal of credit provisions in the domestic book.
As the largest bank in Pakistan, HBL continues to create new avenues for inclusion of the unbanked population, leveraging its technology and leadership position, via state-of-the-art financial products& services. The launch of HBL's customer centric Konnect app is a massive first step towards a branchless banking future. Already serving over 1,400,000 new customers, the platform could account for almost one third of accounts base of the Bank in 2019. It is encouraging to note that 25% of these new account holders are women. Our 13 million customers and clients continue to be served with over 1,700 branches and +2,000 ATMs.
Our strategy of designing our products and services with the Mobile First strategy continues to progress steadily. HBL Mobile, our powerful app with enhanced features for the customers has the highest number of users in the industry. HBL has created history by becoming the first bank to Digitally Disburse personal loans. A frictionless digital process allows the customers to receive the loan in a matter of hours. Total disbursements through this first-of-its-kind digital offering have now crossed Rs 1 billion.
HBL will thrive through a pivot towards a Technology company with a banking license. To that end, HBL recognizes that data will be the oil for the digital economy of the future. Already, we have undertaken initiatives around organizing data for better security, quality and usability.
HBL's investments in its Business Transformation Program throughout 2018 are now beginning to deliver results with improved customer service and more streamlined business processes. Conducting 1st class business in a 1st class way is now the norm for us.
For HBL, adhering to the home country regulatory and international compliance standard protocols is not a one-off project but the way we do business; our work ethos is centered around a culture of robust compliance and control processes, with our first line of defense taking the lead. In 2018, the Bank added nearly 2.5 million customers, using its fully digitized account opening process. All new accounts undergo a rigorous KYC protocol and are fully screened, modeled on international best practices.
Our international footprint is important for us and this has been a year of refocusing our efforts to use our network more effectively in serving our core client base across geographies. We are the largest executor of CPEC related financing in Pakistan. During the year HBL has been consistently recognized for its superior brand, products and services, as well as for its ability to execute landmark deals. For the 3rd year in a row, HBL was awarded the 'Best Bank for Agriculture' at the Pakistan Banking Awards. The Bank's prowess in investment banking has received numerous accolades, with a number of domestic and international awards for 'Best Investment Bank'. Finance Asia magazine named us as the Best Belt & Road Bank in the region. VISA adjudged us as the No. 1 Credit Card in Pakistan based on payment volumes and spend. The strength of the HBL brand was recognized by World Branding Awards, held in London, where the Bank received the 'Brand of the Year - Banking' award for Pakistan. HBL takes great pride in its efforts for gender diversity with women constituting over 16% of our workforce. Our efforts in this area were recognized by the IFC and the Pakistan Business Council who awarded us the Employer of Choice for Gender Diversity.
Despite the exceptionally strong loan growth, the consolidated Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) as at December 31, 2018 increased by 22 bps over December 2017 to 16.2%, while the Bank's Tier 1 CAR remained flat at 12.0%. HBL's rating was reaffirmed at the highest possible AAA in June 2018. The Outlook on the rating was recently upgraded to Stable by JCR-VIS Credit Rating Co. Ltd. The rating on HBL's subordinated debt was also restored from AA+ to AAA.
HBL's title sponsorship of the HBLPSL reflects its passion for the development of youth and the discovery of talent for Pakistan. The bank is delighted to see fans in Pakistan enjoying cricket.-PR
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