Finance

SeABank Announces Impressive First Quarter Profit Surge with a 41% PBT Increase Year-Over-Year

HANOI, Vietnam, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The prominent Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank, commonly known as SeABank, and identified on the stock market with the code SSB, has proudly declared a significant leap in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2024. With its profit before tax (PBT) escalating to a remarkable US$60.66 million, the bank has witnessed a nearly 41% upswing compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge is a clear indicator of the institution's robust health and the efficacy of its strategic endeavors, with other business measures consistently exhibiting stable progression.

SeABank reports profitable first quarter results, PBT increases 41% YoY

A Strategy of Flexibility and Technological Embrace Leads to Growth

The bank's recent triumph can be substantially attributed to its agile business approach, which has effectively capitalized on the integration of digital technologies and the broadening of its product spectrum. Staying ahead in the fiercely competitive banking sector, SeABank has fortified its financial foothold in the first quarter of 2024 in comparison to the previous year's corresponding term. The consolidated PBT soaring to US$60.66 million—indicating a near 41% yearly growth—reflects the strategic finesse the bank possesses. The total operating income has also risen to US$109 million, exhibiting a sturdy 19.54% year-over-year rise. Moreover, SeABank's total revenues have ascended to US$259.3 million, representing a 4.6% increase from the year prior.

Substantially, the net non-interest income (NoII) of SeABank has registered an exceptional surge of nearly 51% over the previous year, standing proudly at US$28.9 million. This is indicative of the bank's adeptness in diversifying its revenue streams and reducing reliance on traditional interest-based income.

Expansion in Customer Deposits and Loan Portfolios

Examining the bank's balance sheet reveals that the total mobilized funds from deposits and valuable papers have reached an impressive US$6.79 billion, marking an upturn of US$278.7 million, or a 4.3% year-over-year increase. This reflects not only customer confidence but also the bank's ability to effectively attract and retain depositors. Even more striking is the bank’s loan portfolio which has expanded to US$7.3 billion, thanks to a net increment of US$59.9 million.

SeABank prioritizes operational safety as a cornerstone of its growth strategy. The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio is meticulously controlled at 1.95%. Critical to its risk management is the Debt-service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), which has reached 86.84%. This success is a testament to SeABank's proactive resource management practices designed to effectively control and mitigate bad debts.

SeABank's Asset Growth and Plans for Capital Increase

As of March 31, 2024, SeABank has announced that its total assets have soared to US$10.94 billion, a 2.06% increase year-over-year, which equates to a net rise of US$221.2 million since December 31, 2023. The bank's charter capital has also surged to a robust US$1 billion. Looking forward, SeABank has charted a bold plan for further inflating its charter capital to US$1.2 billion. The blueprint for this expansion includes a mix of issuing shares to pay dividends and bonus shares from the bank's equity capital at a total ratio of approximately 14%. Additionally, the plan envisions the issuance of shares through an Employment Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) alongside a private offering to selective domestic and/or foreign professional investors. These investors would be carefully chosen based on criteria that align with SeABank's standards as well as the prevailing legal regulations.

To solidify its commitment to growth and shareholder value, SeABank is set to present this capital augmentation scheme to the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for ratification. This move is in line with the bank's conventional approach to drive growth in tandem with the enhancement of shareholder wealth.

To learn more about SeABank, visit their official website at SeABank.

SeABank's Digital Transformation and Market Adaptability

SeABank's remarkable performance in the first quarter is a direct outcome of its dynamism and adaptability in the rapidly evolving banking landscape. By adopting a customer-centric model and heavily investing in digital technology, the bank has managed to exceed customer expectations and streamline operations.

Increasing digital adoption has paved the way for SeABank to offer innovative products and services, reduce operational costs, and enhance the overall customer experience. Such strategic choices explain why SeABank has maintained a trajectory of growth despite challenging economic conditions and fierce industry competition.

Comprehensive Service Offerings and Diverse Revenue Channels

Central to its success story is SeABank's comprehensive range of services, catering to the diverse financial needs of individuals and businesses alike. From retail banking to corporate financial solutions, asset management, and investment banking services, SeABank provides an all-encompassing suite that promises to meet and exceed stakeholder expectations.

This approach not only consolidates customer loyalty but also serves as a buffer against market volatility. By engineering diversified revenue channels, SeABank demonstrates prudent financial stewardship and a clear vision for sustainable growth.

Strengthening Financial Infrastructure and

Balancing Risk

Undoubtedly, SeABank's robust financial infrastructure has been a key element in its successful first-quarter performance. The bank has judiciously balanced risk-taking with conservative financial practices, ensuring that its credit portfolio is diversified and capable of weathering economic uncertainties. By controlling NPLs and maintaining a healthy DSCR, SeABank has positioned itself as a reliable and secure entity for stakeholders, therefore attracting more investments and fostering a climate of trust and reliability in its operations.

The bank's risk management framework aligns with international best practices, which is a reassurance to the market that it is competent in navigating the complex financial landscapes. This meticulousness in risk assessment further bolsters investor confidence, propelling SeABank towards continued financial success.

Future Ambitions and Strategic Initiatives

Looking into the future, SeABank does not intend to rest on its laurels. The bank's aspirations include expanding its market share both locally and regionally. SeABank's strategic initiatives are designed to capitalize on emerging market trends, such as the increasing demand for digital banking services, and to seek opportunities in new demographic segments.

Its ambitious plans for raising charter capital are a bold statement of its future-looking vision. This capital injection is projected to furnish the bank with additional resources to accelerate growth, explore new avenues for expansion, spearhead innovative banking solutions, and ultimately deliver greater value to shareholders.

Commitment to Sustainable Banking Practices

In an era where sustainability is paramount, SeABank has not shied away from integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its business model. Recognizing the impact of sustainable banking, the bank has championed initiatives that support environmental conservation, social welfare, and ethical governance—endeavors that resonate well with consumers and investors who are increasingly aligning their financial interests with their values.

Through these sustainability efforts, SeABank is not only contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves but is also ensuring long-term profitability. By balancing financial objectives with social responsibility, SeABank presents itself as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to creating a positive impact on society and the economy.

SeABank: A Pillar of Financial Stability and Innovator in Banking

To conclude, SeABank’s formidable first-quarter financial results reflect a combination of strategic acumen, a forward-looking mindset, and a commitment to excellence. As the bank continues to navigate through the dynamic financial landscape, its approach to innovation, customer service, and sustainability is expected to serve as a benchmark for others in the banking sector.

With its solid foundation and ambitious growth plans, SeABank is poised to remain an influential force in the Southeast Asian banking industry. Shareholders and clients alike can look forward with anticipation to the bank’s unfolding story of success and its contribution to the broader economic prosperity of the region.

SeABank's collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, commitment to integrating the latest technologies, and a business model underpinned by diversification, ensure that its trajectory upward remains consistent and impactful. The rest of the year holds immense promise for SeABank, and the market watches with eager eyes to see how this financial institution will shape the future of banking.

By strategically aligning its operations with the overarching trends of digitalization, sustainability, and customer-centricity, SeABank is not just reporting profits—it’s paving the way for a new era in banking that's resilient, responsive, and revolutionary.

Indeed, with its impressive first quarter of 2024 performance and proactive strategies geared towards a promising future, SeABank stands as a testament to the vibrant potential of Southeast Asia's financial services industry.

SOURCE: SeABank