Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc continues to strengthen its position in Nigeria’s financial landscape.
The mortgage bank has emerged as the best-performing mortgage stock on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), delivering a 20% YtD gain as of March 20, 2025, building on a 35% return in 2024.
Abbey has now rallied 291% in five years, climbing from N0.92 in 2019 to N3.60.
With a 1.11% dividend yield (N0.04 per share), Abbey’s total return stands at 21.11% YtD.
Earnings per share surged 33% to N0.12, fueling expectations for a higher dividend payout for the 2024 financial year.
Evolving financial strategies
Abbey’s latest financials highlight an evolving approach to income generation. Gross earnings surged by 58% to N12.4 billion, driven largely by a 65% rise in interest income to N11.91 billion.
- 78% of this interest income (N9.33 billion) was derived from short-term funds and investment securities, while 22% (N2.57 billion) came from loans and advances.
- On the balance sheet, the bank’s financial assets have grown significantly. Deposits with banks and financial institutions nearly doubled (+96% YoY) to N24.92 billion, while investments in securities at amortized cost increased from N26.78 billion to N41.75 billion.
- Additionally, equity investments at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) expanded by 50% to N827 million.
- Mortgage lending saw an adjustment, with loans and advances declining by 15% to N12.046 billion.
Mortgage financing, in particular, shifted from N12.59 billion in 2023 to N8.53 billion in 2024, a reflection of Abbey’s recalibrated strategy to balance risk and returns.
Prioritizing liquidity and stability
Abbey’s increased focus on financial investments has played a key role in its revenue expansion. Pre-tax profit grew by 34.88% to N1.28 billion, showcasing the bank’s ability to sustain profitability even in a dynamic financial environment.
While profit margins adjusted slightly to 9.87%, Abbey’s strengthened liquidity position provides a solid foundation for future growth.
Mortgage lending remains a long-term, capital-intensive business, and the bank’s strategic asset reallocation ensures financial agility as it navigates market dynamics.
A Forward-Thinking Strategy
Abbey’s evolving portfolio mix is a calculated response to current market conditions, particularly in light of increased default risks in the mortgage sector.
By strategically investing in low-risk financial instruments, the bank is preserving liquidity while positioning itself for long-term mortgage sector expansion.
Additionally, Abbey’s Approval-in-Principle (AIP) for a commercial banking license signals a broader transformation.
As part of this transition, the bank is restructuring its balance sheet to support a more diversified financial services model, ultimately enhancing value for stakeholders.
Investment Outlook: Growth and Stability
- Abbey’s market performance has drawn investor interest, with strong EPS growth and a solid PEG ratio of 0.90 indicating promising value.
- While its current P/E of 30x and P/B of 3.89 suggest a premium valuation, its low beta of 0.66 reflects relative stability in a fluctuating market.
- As Abbey continues to evolve, investors and stakeholders can look forward to a dynamic institution that is leveraging both financial prudence and strategic foresight to drive sustained growth.