KARACHI: Askari Bank Limited (AKBL) has posted a record profit after tax (PAT) of Rs. 7.5 billion for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 (3QCY25), translating into earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 5.18 — a robust 112 percent year-over-year increase compared to Rs. 3.5 billion (EPS: Rs. 2.44) in the same period last year.
This performance lifted the bank’s cumulative profit for the nine months of 2025 to Rs. 18.1 billion, marking a 28 percent rise year-on-year.
In tandem with the results, the Board of Directors announced an interim cash dividend of Rs. 1.25 per share for the quarter, following a Rs. 2.00 per share payout in the previous quarter. Before this year, the last interim dividend had been declared in the first quarter of 2014 at Rs. 1.0 per share.
Net interest income climbed 21 percent YoY to Rs. 22.9 billion, driven by improved spreads and a notable 46 percent reduction in interest expense. Non-funded income surged 69 percent YoY, supported by higher capital gains and foreign exchange income.
Operating expenses increased 23 percent YoY to Rs. 13.6 billion; however, operational efficiency improved as the cost-to-income ratio declined to 41.6 percent from 55.4 percent a year earlier.
On the provisioning front, the bank recorded a reversal of Rs. 1.7 billion in 3QCY25, compared to a charge of Rs. 2.6 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
Askari Bank’s advances grew 13 percent YoY, while deposits rose 11 percent YoY to Rs. 1.63 trillion, reflecting a strong balance sheet position. Asset quality also improved, backed by prudent credit risk management and reduced reliance on borrowings.
The bank reported an effective tax rate of 39.4 percent for the quarter, compared to 41.6 percent in the same period last year.
