FBN Holdings (FBNH) Plc has said that its current N150bn rights issue capital raise will be used to shore-up FirstBank’s Capital for Business Development & Growth; investment in automation and digital banking; and to support international business expansion.
The Group Managing Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo who made the statement during the ‘Facts Behind the Rights Issue’ presentation at the Nigerian Exchange said that capital raise is set to be concluded by the first quarter of 2025.
He said the move signifies FBN Holding’s commitment to fortifying its financial position and capital base, which will in turn enhance its capacity to support various business initiatives and further bolster its market presence.
FBN Holdings on November 4 commenced its rights issues of 5.983 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N25.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every six ordinary shares held as of 18 October 2024. The offer is expected to close on December 12, 2024.
Okonkwo added that FBN Holdings will seek shareholders’ approval to raise an additional N350bn at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
According to him, the bank also plans to deepen its footprint in strategic markets, including key African economies and its existing presence in the United Kingdom, France, and China. This infusion of capital allows us to be more competitive on a global scale and reinforces our commitment to innovative, customer-centric services, he said.
He highlighted FBN Holdings’ extensive diversification strategy with a focus on enhancing synergies across its subsidiaries and leveraging its stronghold in commercial and merchant banking, asset management, insurance brokerage, and other financial services.
Speaking on the financial and operational highlights of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Okonkwo said that gross earnings increased year on year by 134 per cent to N2.25trn, driven by impressive growths in both interest and non-interest income.
“Strong earnings drove a 128 per cent year on year growth in profit before tax to N610.9bn, while CIR improves further to 46.4 per cent, in line with 2024 financial target of 58 per cent. Also, the Company’s total assets grew 62.3 per cent to N27.5trn.
He appealed to shareholders of the Company to take their rights, saying that the right issue price of N25 per share offers current shareholders a compelling investment opportunity, as the rights issue price is set at a discount to the current market value.
Speaking at the presentation, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Jude Chiemeka said the Exchange remains committed to provide a platform for listed corporates to raise fresh capital, saying that “year-to-date, the Exchange has been able to facilitate N5.7trn across different asset classes, stressing that the financial services sector plays an important role in the Nigeria capital market.”