Fidelity Bank Plc has significantly strengthened its liquidity position in the 2025 financial year, with cash and cash equivalents surging by 87 percent to N1.32 trillion. This growth underscores improved cash buffers, stronger deposit mobilisation, and expansion in interest-earning assets, according to the bank's audited financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Key Financial Highlights
The lender reported that cash and cash equivalents rose from N707.45 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust liquidity profile despite Nigeria's tight monetary environment. Restricted balances with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also increased by 4.1 percent to N1.65 trillion, up from N1.59 trillion in the prior year.
Deposit Growth and Asset Expansion
Customer deposits grew by 16.1 percent to N6.89 trillion from N5.94 trillion, indicating sustained customer confidence and a broader funding base. Total assets expanded by 18.6 percent to N10.46 trillion, driven by increases in investment securities, liquid assets, and other financial instruments.
Earnings Performance
Gross earnings rose by 45.6 percent to N1.52 trillion, supported by growth in interest income and foreign exchange-related gains. Interest and similar income increased by 38.7 percent to N1.11 trillion, while net interest income rose by 32 percent to N831.35 billion.
The bank improved its credit risk position, with credit loss expense moderating significantly to N21.61 billion from N56.44 billion in 2024. This contributed to a 41.2 percent increase in net interest income after credit losses to N809.74 billion.
Non-Interest Income and Investments
Fee and commission income rose by 44.7 percent to N113.36 billion, while foreign currency revaluation gains surged to N99.58 billion from N11.72 billion. The investment portfolio also expanded, with debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) rising by 199 percent to N557.78 billion, and debt instruments at amortised cost increasing by 27.2 percent to N1.97 trillion.
Shareholders' Funds and Market Performance
Shareholders' funds crossed the N1 trillion mark, with total equity increasing by 21.1 percent to N1.09 trillion. Statutory reserves rose by 32.7 percent, while non-distributable regulatory reserves climbed by 92.5 percent.
Fidelity Bank's share price closed at N21.9 on Monday, gaining 15.3 percent year-to-date on the NGX. The bank is currently the 25th most valuable stock on the NGX with a market capitalisation of N1.1 trillion, representing about 0.686 percent of the Nigerian Stock Exchange equity market.
