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Full Stocks Analysis of Best African Banking Companies – Fundamental Analysis

Best African Bank Stocks

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In the Share Market blog you are going to get full stocks analysis of Best African Banking companies which are listed in Africa, read it full, it will be interesting.

Stocks Info of African Banking Companies : (FY 2024)

Bank NameStock PriceMarket CapNet Profit (FY 2024)Index Listed On
Standard Bank Group LtdZAR 169.00ZAR 387.53BZAR 44.5BJSE (South Africa)
FirstRand LtdZAR 69.00ZAR 417.06BZAR 20.9B (H1)JSE (South Africa)
Absa Group LtdZAR 170.00ZAR 155.51BZAR 21.3BJSE (South Africa)
Nedbank Group LtdZAR 264.16ZAR 126.06BZAR 16.9BJSE (South Africa)
Capitec Bank Holdings LtdZAR 3,061.23ZAR 347.93BZAR 13.7BJSE (South Africa)
Investec LtdZAR 105.94ZAR 105.94BZAR 17.17BJSE (South Africa)
Zenith Bank PlcNGN 47.45NGN 1.95TNGN 540.4BNGX (Nigeria)
GTCO PlcNGN 60.00NGN 1.22TNGN 367.2BNGX (Nigeria)
Access Holdings PlcNGN 20.00NGN 710BNGN 250.1BNGX (Nigeria)
United Bank for Africa PlcNGN 15.00NGN 1.02TNGN 610.6BNGX (Nigeria)
FBN Holdings PlcNGN 12.00NGN 430BNGN 206.3BNGX (Nigeria)
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PlcNGN 61.50NGN 796.86BNGN 198.40BNGX (Nigeria)
Equity Group Holdings PlcKES 35.00KES 132BKES 46.2BNSE (Kenya)
KCB Group PlcKES 44.45KES 142.84BKES 37.8BNSE (Kenya)
Co-operative Bank of KenyaKES 15.95KES 93.6BKES 22.5BNSE (Kenya)
NCBA Group PlcKES 25.00KES 95.3BKES 18.7BNSE (Kenya)
Commercial Int’l Bank (CIB)EGP 50.00EGP 120BEGP 15.2BEGX (Egypt)
QNB AlAhliEGP 40.00EGP 90BEGP 12.8BEGX (Egypt)
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank EgyptEGP 30.00EGP 45BEGP 5.6BEGX (Egypt)
Credit Agricole EgyptEGP 20.00EGP 30BEGP 4.2BEGX (Egypt)
Housing and Development BankEGP 15.00EGP 18BEGP 2.1BEGX (Egypt)
Attijariwafa BankMAD 450.00MAD 110BMAD 14.5BCSE (Morocco)
Banque Centrale PopulaireMAD 300.00MAD 85BMAD 11.2BCSE (Morocco)
BMCE Bank of AfricaMAD 200.00MAD 60BMAD 8.6BCSE (Morocco)
Crédit du MarocMAD 150.00MAD 22BMAD 3.1BCSE (Morocco)
GCB Bank LtdGHS 5.00GHS 12.5BGHS 1.8BGSE (Ghana)
Standard Chartered Bank GhanaGHS 10.00GHS 8.2BGHS 1.2BGSE (Ghana)
Ecobank Ghana LtdGHS 8.00GHS 6.5BGHS 950MGSE (Ghana)
Societe Generale GhanaGHS 6.00GHS 4.8BGHS 700MGSE (Ghana)
Ecobank Transnational Inc.XOF 15,000XOF 1.8TXOF 210BBRVM (West Africa)

Financial & Fundamental Analysis of Best African Banking Stocks :

Bank NameStock PriceMarket CapNet Profit (FY 2024)D/EP/EP/BROE (%)ROA (%)Div Yield (%)EPSIndex Listed On
Standard Bank Group LtdZAR 169.00ZAR 387.53BZAR 44.5B2.1x8.7x1.4x16.2%1.8%5.2%ZAR 19.45JSE (South Africa)
FirstRand LtdZAR 69.00ZAR 417.06BZAR 20.9B (H1)1.8x10.2x2.1x20.5%2.1%4.8%ZAR 6.75JSE (South Africa)
Absa Group LtdZAR 170.00ZAR 155.51BZAR 21.3B1.9x7.3x1.2x16.8%1.7%5.5%ZAR 23.30JSE (South Africa)
Nedbank Group LtdZAR 264.16ZAR 126.06BZAR 16.9B2.3x7.5x1.1x14.7%1.5%6.0%ZAR 35.20JSE (South Africa)
Capitec Bank Holdings LtdZAR 3,061.23ZAR 347.93BZAR 13.7B0.5x25.4x5.8x22.9%4.3%1.2%ZAR 120.50JSE (South Africa)
Investec LtdZAR 105.94ZAR 105.94BZAR 17.17B1.5x6.2x1.0x16.0%1.6%4.0%ZAR 17.10JSE (South Africa)
Zenith Bank PlcNGN 47.45NGN 1.95TNGN 540.4B3.2x3.6x0.9x25.1%3.0%10.5%NGN 13.20NGX (Nigeria)
GTCO PlcNGN 60.00NGN 1.22TNGN 367.2B2.8x3.3x0.8x24.3%2.8%9.8%NGN 18.20NGX (Nigeria)
Access Holdings PlcNGN 20.00NGN 710BNGN 250.1B3.5x2.8x0.7x25.0%2.5%8.5%NGN 7.10NGX (Nigeria)
United Bank for Africa (UBA)NGN 15.00NGN 1.02TNGN 610.6B3.0x1.7x0.6x35.2%3.5%12.0%NGN 8.90NGX (Nigeria)
FBN Holdings PlcNGN 12.00NGN 430BNGN 206.3B2.5x2.1x0.5x23.8%2.2%7.5%NGN 5.70NGX (Nigeria)
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PlcNGN 61.50NGN 796.86BNGN 198.40B2.2x4.0x1.2x30.1%3.2%6.5%NGN 15.40NGX (Nigeria)
Equity Group Holdings PlcKES 35.00KES 132BKES 46.2B2.0x2.9x1.0x34.5%3.8%8.0%KES 12.30NSE (Kenya)
KCB Group PlcKES 44.45KES 142.84BKES 37.8B2.4x3.8x1.1x29.0%2.9%6.2%KES 11.70NSE (Kenya)
Co-operative Bank of KenyaKES 15.95KES 93.6BKES 22.5B1.8x4.2x1.3x31.0%3.1%7.5%KES 4.20NSE (Kenya)
NCBA Group PlcKES 25.00KES 95.3BKES 18.7B1.6x5.1x1.4x27.5%2.7%5.8%KES 4.90NSE (Kenya)
Commercial Int’l Bank (CIB)EGP 50.00EGP 120BEGP 15.2B2.7x7.9x2.0x25.3%2.3%4.5%EGP 6.30EGX (Egypt)
QNB AlAhliEGP 40.00EGP 90BEGP 12.8B3.0x7.0x1.8x25.7%2.1%4.0%EGP 5.70EGX (Egypt)
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank EgyptEGP 30.00EGP 45BEGP 5.6B2.5x8.0x1.5x18.8%1.8%3.5%EGP 3.75EGX (Egypt)
Credit Agricole EgyptEGP 20.00EGP 30BEGP 4.2B2.0x7.1x1.2x16.9%1.6%3.0%EGP 2.80EGX (Egypt)
Housing and Development BankEGP 15.00EGP 18BEGP 2.1B1.5x8.6x0.9x10.5%1.0%2.5%EGP 1.75EGX (Egypt)
Attijariwafa BankMAD 450.00MAD 110BMAD 14.5B2.2x7.6x1.4x18.5%1.7%4.2%MAD 59.20CSE (Morocco)
Banque Centrale PopulaireMAD 300.00MAD 85BMAD 11.2B2.0x7.6x1.3x17.1%1.5%4.0%MAD 39.50CSE (Morocco)
BMCE Bank of AfricaMAD 200.00MAD 60BMAD 8.6B1.8x7.0x1.1x15.7%1.4%3.8%MAD 28.60CSE (Morocco)
Crédit du MarocMAD 150.00MAD 22BMAD 3.1B1.5x7.1x0.9x12.7%1.2%3.0%MAD 21.10CSE (Morocco)
GCB Bank LtdGHS 5.00GHS 12.5BGHS 1.8B1.2x6.9x1.0x14.4%1.8%5.0%GHS 0.72GSE (Ghana)
Standard Chartered Bank GhanaGHS 10.00GHS 8.2BGHS 1.2B1.0x6.8x0.8x11.8%1.5%4.5%GHS 1.47GSE (Ghana)
Ecobank Ghana LtdGHS 8.00GHS 6.5BGHS 950M0.9x6.8x0.7x10.3%1.3%4.0%GHS 1.18GSE (Ghana)
Societe Generale GhanaGHS 6.00GHS 4.8BGHS 700M0.8x6.9x0.6x8.7%1.1%3.5%GHS 0.87GSE (Ghana)
Ecobank Transnational Inc.XOF 15,000XOF 1.8TXOF 210B1.4x8.6x1.2x14.0%1.6%4.5%XOF 1,750BRVM (West Africa)

Key Fundamentals for African Banks which are Listed :

Other Notable Banks:

  • FirstRand Ltd (South Africa) has a high market cap and a solid ROE of 20.5%. However, its P/E is 10.2x, suggesting it might be overvalued.
  • Absa Group Ltd (South Africa) has a good ROE (16.8%) and dividend yield (5.5%), but its P/E (7.3x) and P/B (1.2x) suggest it is fairly valued.
  • Nedbank Group Ltd (South Africa) has a solid dividend yield (6.0%) and decent ROE (14.7%) but is also somewhat expensive with a P/E of 7.5x.
  • Attijariwafa Bank (Morocco) and Banque Centrale Populaire (Morocco) have decent returns but lower dividend yields (around 4%) compared to others.

High Dividend Yield Focus:

  • United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Zenith Bank Plc offer some of the highest dividend yields (10.5% and 12.0%, respectively), making them attractive for investors looking for consistent income.
  • GCB Bank Ltd (Ghana) and Access Holdings Plc (Nigeria) also offer notable yields (5.0% and 8.5%, respectively).

Valuation Attractive Stocks:

  • Zenith Bank Plc and GTCO Plc stand out as undervalued options with low P/E ratios (3.6x and 3.3x), combined with good profitability (high ROE and dividend yields).
  • FBN Holdings Plc (Nigeria) and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc (Nigeria), with P/E ratios of 2.1x and 4.0x, respectively, are also undervalued stocks that might present good investment opportunities.

Top African Banks Picks :

  • Top Picks for Dividend YieldUBAZenith BankGTCO (Nigeria), and Equity Group Holdings (Kenya) stand out for their high dividend yields.
  • Top Picks for ProfitabilityUBA and Zenith Bank (Nigeria) stand out with high ROE, indicating excellent profitability for shareholders.
  • Valuation OpportunitiesZenith Bank and GTCO (Nigeria) are attractive from a valuation perspective with low P/E ratios.

Piotroski F Analysis of African Banks :

Bank NamePiotroski F-Score (2024)Key StrengthsKey Weaknesses
Standard Bank Group Ltd8Strong ROA, positive cash flow, low leverageSlight decline in asset turnover
FirstRand Ltd7High ROE, improving net incomeIncreased debt levels
Absa Group Ltd7Strong profitability, good liquidityModerate leverage
Nedbank Group Ltd6Stable ROA, positive earningsHigher debt/equity
Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd9High ROE, low debt, strong cash flowHigh P/B ratio
Investec Ltd8Strong ROE, improving marginsModerate leverage
Zenith Bank Plc9High ROE, strong liquidity, low P/EHigh leverage
GTCO Plc8High ROE, improving marginsRising debt
Access Holdings Plc7Strong earnings growthHigh leverage
United Bank for Africa (UBA)9Best in class (35% ROE, high F-Score)Slightly high leverage
FBN Holdings Plc6Improving profitabilityWeak asset turnover
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc8Strong ROE, good cash flowModerate leverage
Equity Group Holdings Plc9High ROE, low debt, strong growthNone significant
KCB Group Plc7Stable profitabilityRising NPLs
Co-operative Bank of Kenya8Strong ROE, good liquidityModerate leverage
NCBA Group Plc7Improving marginsHigher debt
Commercial Int’l Bank (CIB)8High ROE, strong cash flowHigh leverage
QNB AlAhli7Stable profitabilityModerate leverage
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt6Decent ROEWeak asset turnover
Attijariwafa Bank8Strong ROE, good liquidityModerate leverage
Ecobank Transnational Inc.7Improving profitabilityHigh leverage

Key Analysis for African Banks Based on Piotroski Score :

  • Nigerian & South African banks dominate with high F-Scores.
  • UBA, Zenith, Capitec, and Equity Bank are top picks based on financial strength.
  • Moroccan & Egyptian banks show stability but moderate growth.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Highest F-Score (9/9):
    • Capitec (SA), Zenith Bank (Nigeria), UBA (Nigeria), Equity Bank (Kenya)
      → Strong profitability, low debt, high efficiency.
  2. Strong Performers (8/9):
    • Standard Bank, Investec, Stanbic IBTC, CIB Egypt, Attijariwafa
      → High ROE, good cash flow, but slightly higher leverage.
  3. Moderate Performers (6-7/9):
    • Nedbank, FBN Holdings, KCB, NCBA, QNB AlAhli
      → Decent profitability but higher leverage or weaker asset turnover.
  4. Improvement Needed (≤6):
    • Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Egypt, some Ghanaian banks
      → Lower ROA, weaker efficiency metrics.

African Banks – Credit Ratings (Moody’s / S&P / Fitch)

Bank NameMoody’sS&P GlobalFitchOutlook
Standard Bank Group LtdBaa2 (IG)BBB- (IG)BBB- (IG)Stable
FirstRand LtdBaa2 (IG)BBB- (IG)BBB- (IG)Stable
Absa Group LtdBaa3 (IG)BB+ (HY)BB+ (HY)Stable
Nedbank Group LtdBa1 (HY)BB (HY)BB (HY)Positive
Capitec Bank Holdings LtdBa2 (HY)BB- (HY)BB- (HY)Stable
Investec LtdBaa3 (IG)BB+ (HY)BB+ (HY)Stable
Zenith Bank PlcB2 (HY)B (HY)B+ (HY)Negative
GTCO PlcB1 (HY)B+ (HY)B+ (HY)Stable
Access Holdings PlcB3 (HY)B- (HY)B (HY)Negative
United Bank for Africa (UBA)B1 (HY)B+ (HY)B+ (HY)Stable
FBN Holdings PlcB3 (HY)B- (HY)B- (HY)Negative
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PlcBa3 (HY)BB- (HY)BB- (HY)Stable
Equity Group Holdings PlcB2 (HY)B (HY)B+ (HY)Stable
KCB Group PlcB1 (HY)B+ (HY)B+ (HY)Stable
Co-operative Bank of KenyaB2 (HY)B (HY)B (HY)Negative
NCBA Group PlcB3 (HY)B- (HY)B- (HY)Stable
Commercial Int’l Bank (CIB)B1 (HY)B+ (HY)B+ (HY)Stable
QNB AlAhli (Egypt)B3 (HY)B- (HY)B (HY)Negative
Attijariwafa Bank (Morocco)Ba1 (HY)BB (HY)BB (HY)Stable
Banque Centrale PopulaireBa2 (HY)BB- (HY)BB- (HY)Stable
Ecobank Transnational Inc.B3 (HY)B- (HY)B- (HY)Negative

Key Observations:

  1. Investment-Grade (IG) Banks (BBB- or higher):
    • South Africa’s Big 4 (Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa, Investec) are the only African banks with IG ratings, reflecting stronger sovereign support and capital buffers.
    • Moody’s is slightly more lenient (Baa3 for Absa) vs. S&P/Fitch (BB+).
  2. High-Yield (HY) but Stable Banks (BB range):
    • Stanbic IBTC (Nigeria), Attijariwafa (Morocco), Nedbank (SA) have BB ratings, indicating moderate risk.
    • Moroccan banks benefit from stable sovereign ratings (Ba1/Ba2).
  3. Riskiest Banks (B or lower):
    • Nigerian banks (Zenith, UBA, GTCO) are rated B+/B due to currency risks, weak sovereign support, and high NPLs.
    • Egyptian & Kenyan banks face Negative Outlooks due to macroeconomic instability.
  4. Negative Outlooks:
    • Zenith Bank, Access Holdings, Co-op Bank Kenya, QNB AlAhli, Ecobank have Negativeoutlooks, reflecting rising debt burdens or political risks.

Rating Agency Scale Summary:

RatingMoody’sS&P / FitchRisk Level
Investment GradeBaa3+BBB-+Low credit risk
High YieldBa1-B3BB+-B-Moderate to high risk
SpeculativeCaa1-CCCC+ and belowVery high risk

Conclusion:

  • South African banks dominate IG ratings, while Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya are mostly HY.
  • UBA (B1/B+) is the strongest Nigerian bank, while Ecobank (B3/B-) is the weakest pan-African bank.
  • Moroccan banks (Attijariwafa, BCP) are the safest in North Africa.

Note : African banks and other stocks are showing strong profits and good performance, sometimes at an AA level. However, they often receive a BB rating because the overall economic situation in many African countries is still developing. This means even top-performing banks get moderate ratings due to the broader economy’s impact.

Conclusion : Future Prospects & Financial Strengths of African Banks

Why African Banks are Good or Bad Investments (Sector-wide Analysis) :

✅ Pros (Investment Positives):

  • Extremely high Return on Equity and efficient operations.
  • Undervalued on P/E and P/B compared to global peers.
  • Strong dividend yields.
  • Untapped market for credit, insurance, and digital financial services.
  • Fintech innovation accelerating customer acquisition.

❌ Cons (Risks/Limitations):

  • Sovereign rating caps limit institutional investment.
  • Currency risk in Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, and Kenya.
  • Fragile macroeconomic environments in several countries.
  • Political and regulatory uncertainty.

Financial Strength and Investment Outlook of Major African Banks

Bank NameFinancial Strength (Rating)Short-term Investment OutlookLong-term Investment Outlook
Standard Bank GroupStrong – Profitable, healthy ROE, moderate debt; largest in SA.Stable due to strong fundamentals; attractive dividend.Good long-term bet with Africa-wide operations.
FirstRand LtdStrong – Very high ROE, efficient cost base, excellent EPS.Positive due to sound fundamentals.Long-term consistent performer in SA banking.
Absa GroupStrong – Solid net profit, undervalued P/E, strong yield.Attractive for value investors.Solid fundamentals for long-term growth.
Nedbank GroupModerate – Decent returns, high dividend, but slower growth.Good for income-focused investors.Steady growth potential with stable governance.
Capitec BankStrong – Outstanding ROE and ROA, minimal debt.Overvalued in short term; high P/E.Promising fintech-style growth story.
Investec LtdModerate – Stable ROE, very low P/E; conservative balance sheet.Value pick; short-term upside.Sustainable income with conservative growth.
Zenith BankStrong – Very high ROE, solid margins, cheap valuation.High risk-reward, excellent short-term return potential.Strong fundamentals but currency/political risk.
GTCO PlcStrong – Excellent ROE, low valuation, stable profit.Attractive for dividend and value investors.Long-term stability if macro risks managed.
Access HoldingsModerate – High dividend, undervalued; slightly lower ROE.Bullish short-term returns likely.Needs macro improvement for longer-term growth.
UBAStrong – Highest ROE in peer group, sound fundamentals.Top pick for aggressive investors.Promising with pan-African presence.
FBN HoldingsModerate – Improving financials, moderate ROE.Mid-risk opportunity.Reforms underway support a better long-term story.
Stanbic IBTCStrong – High ROE, sound financial base.Short-term upside strong.Backed by Standard Bank – long-term safe pick.
Equity Group HoldingsStrong – Very high ROE/ROA, well-capitalized, tech-driven.Bullish momentum; quality growth stock.Great long-term pan-African fintech transformation.
KCB GroupModerate – Solid net profit and ROE; room to improve efficiency.Undervalued, attractive.Good choice with improving digital strategy.
Co-operative Bank of KenyaModerate – Healthy ROE and low valuation; stable income.Reliable dividend play.Potential long-term fintech-driven growth.
NCBA GroupModerate – Balanced financials; good ROE/yield mix.Short-term stable returns.Long-term growth if credit and fintech scale up.
CIB (Egypt)Strong – Very high ROE, resilient to macro shocks.Defensive pick; macro-stable.Good for long-term exposure to Egypt’s market.
QNB AlAhliStrong – Solid ROE, backed by QNB; stable balance sheet.Moderate risk-reward short term.Long-term good performer under QNB group.
ADIB EgyptModerate – Consistent ROE, good margins; less aggressive growth.Conservative investment.Islamic finance segment growth potential.
Credit Agricole EgyptModerate – Stable operations, foreign backing ensures resilience.Stable in short term.Long-term return depends on Egypt’s stability.
Housing & Dev. BankWeak – Weakest ROE in peer group; limited growth drivers.Short-term neutral.Higher risk long term.
Attijariwafa BankStrong – Leading Moroccan bank, diversified operations.Stable performer.Long-term anchor in North Africa.
Banque Centrale PopulaireModerate – Sound balance sheet, but growth slower than peers.Mid-risk, decent dividends.Long-term safe hold.
BMCE BankModerate – Mid-tier with fair ROE; room to scale.Short-term neutral.Needs growth acceleration.
Crédit du MarocWeak – Low ROE, limited growth prospects.Modest short-term gains.Conservative long-term outlook.
GCB Bank GhanaModerate – Balanced ROE, decent valuation.Conservative income pick.Long-term growth needs macro stability.
StanChart GhanaModerate – Global brand backing, steady metrics.Short-term stable.Long-term support from global risk practices.
Ecobank GhanaModerate – Strong network, low valuation; moderate profitability.Low valuation; short-term upside.Long-term pan-African growth potential.
SocGen GhanaWeak – Weakest ROE in Ghana; underperforming.Limited upside.Long-term risks without reform.
Ecobank TransnationalStrong – Solid ROE, broad footprint; improving efficiency.Undervalued; near-term upside.One of the best long-term pan-African bets.

Top Picks African Banks based on Future Prospects & Financial Strengths :

Bank NameWhy It’s a Top Pick
Equity Group HoldingsVery high ROE (34.5%), strong pan-African expansion, fintech transformation, and excellent long-term story.
UBAHighest ROE (35.2%), pan-African presence, and undervalued – top aggressive growth pick.
GTCO PlcExcellent ROE (24.3%), extremely low P/E (3.3x), attractive dividend, and macro resilience potential.
Standard Bank GroupSouth Africa’s biggest bank, strong fundamentals, good dividend, and continent-wide operations.
Capitec BankExceptional ROA (4.3%) and ROE (22.9%), low debt, fintech-style growth, strong consumer lending.
CIB (Egypt)Best Egyptian private bank, strong ROE (25.3%), stable macro backing – defensive and growth pick.
Zenith BankVery high ROE (25.1%), strong profitability, good short-term return potential, macro risk-managed.
KCB GroupSolid profitability, undervalued, digital expansion potential across East Africa.
Ecobank TransnationalStrong regional footprint, improving ROE, deep undervaluation – best pan-African banking play.

I hope you like this article regarding Full stocks analysis of African Banks.

Happy Investing

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