JOHANNESBERG, Mar 3 – Nedbank Group reported a 2% increase in full-year headline earnings, as lower credit impairments helped offset modest revenue growth.
Headline earnings rose to 17.2 billion rand ($1.05 billion) for the year ended December, from 16.9 billion rand a year earlier, the bank said. The improvement came as impairment charges declined 18% to 6.6 billion rand, showing improved credit quality and reduced risk exposure.
The group’s credit loss ratio fell by 68 basis points, indicating fewer non-performing loans relative to total lending. Net interest income increased 3% to 42.9 billion rand, supported by lending activity, while non-interest revenue rose 4% on higher income from fees, commissions and insurance.
Return on equity declined slightly to 15.4% from 15.8% a year earlier, but remained above the bank’s cost of equity of 14.6% for 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Jason Quinn said the bank expects return on equity to stay above 15% in 2026. The lender declared a final dividend of 11.04 rand per share.
