Unlocking Immense Value In Zenith Bank’s Hybrid Rights Issue And Public Offer

Zenith Bank Plc, in a significant move to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new minimum capital requirement of N500 billion, is offering its ongoing hybrid rights and public offers at the bank’s lowest price range, locking in about 32 percent gain in potential immediate return for existing shareholders and new investors. This Hybrid Rights Issue and Public Offer, aimed at raising approximately N290 billion, will not only enable the bank to meet the CBN’s requirement but also provide additional working capital to support its expanding operations and investments in information technology infrastructure.

Currently, Zenith Bank’s issued and fully paid share capital stands at N15.698 billion, complemented by a share premium of N255.047 billion. To meet the CBN’s new stipulation, the bank requires an additional N229.225 billion. Despite its robust historical performance, the CBN’s new capital requirement has necessitated this substantial capital raise. According to Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, this capital infusion will help meet regulatory requirements and enhance the bank’s information technology infrastructure.

The Hybrid offer includes a Rights Issue of 5.233 billion ordinary shares priced at N36 per share for existing shareholders, alongside a Public Offer of 2.767 billion ordinary shares available to the public at N36.50 each. The offer commenced on August 1, 2024, and is set to close on September 9, 2024. These figures suggest that Zenith Bank’s shares are not only undervalued but also present a promising opportunity for capital appreciation. Engaging in the bank’s upcoming capital-raising offer could yield significant capital gains for investors who recognise the potential upside. Zenith Bank’s strong financial performance adds to its appeal as an investment opportunity. The bank has consistently demonstrated resilience, with impressive profitability metrics and a solid track record.

Over the past five years, Zenith Bank’s share price has grown by approximately 57%, establishing itself as one of the most capitalised banks on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) with a market capitalisation of N1.130 trillion. In 2023, the bank emerged as the most profitable listed bank on the NGX, reporting a pre-tax profit of N795.962 billion. Notably, in the first quarter of 2024, Zenith Bank achieved about 40% of its total pre-tax profit for 2023, indicating a strong trajectory.

Currently, Zenith Bank’s stock trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 1.30x—significantly lower than the banking sector average of 2.2x—suggesting it may be undervalued compared to its peers. Additionally, its price-to-book (P/B) ratio stands at 0.4, while its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 0.44, indicating a considerable discount relative to its book value and annual sales.

Financially, Zenith Bank reported a pre-tax profit of N795.962 billion in 2023, with a solid net interest income of N736.182 billion for the same year. However, concerns linger regarding its loan portfolio; loans and advances surged by 63% to N6.6 trillion, accompanied by a cost of risk increase of 128% to 7.3%.

in the current year. Gross earnings jumped by 189% from N270 billion in the first quarter of 2023 to N781 billion in the first quarter of 2024. Profit before tax tripled by 267.8% to N320 billion in March 2024 as against N87 billion recorded in March 2023. After taxes, net profit leapt by 291% from N66 billion to N258 billion. Earnings per share rose simultaneously from N2.10 to N8.22.

Analysts believe Zenith Bank has entered a new phase of phenomenal growth. Annualised, the first quarter 2024 performance indicates that the bank’s net profit could surpass a trillion, with potential earnings per share that almost covers the cost of buying into the ongoing offers. Such fundamental performance usually triggers a rally for a stock, underscoring the belief by investment experts that the bank could set a new all-time high within the next few months.

Zenith Bank has been adjudged the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria for the fourth consecutive year by the prestigious World Finance Banking Awards. It has also been honoured for the past three years as the Best Corporate Governance in Nigeria. These awards were revalidated in the Summer 2024 issue of World Finance Magazine, which provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business, and the global economy. The awards recognised the bank’s financial performance, customer service, sustainability initiatives, and corporate governance practices.

Established by Jim Ovia, CFR, in May 1990, Zenith Bank began operations in July 1990. The bank became a public limited company on June 17, 2004, and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on October 21, 2004, following a successful initial public offering (IPO). In 2013, the bank listed $850 million worth of shares at $6.80 each on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The bank has grown into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. The bank’s philosophy is to remain customer-centric with a clear understanding of its market and environment. Zenith Bank’s excellent performance has earned numerous international awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times.