Askari Bank Limited (AKBL) has announced its financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2026, reporting solid earnings growth and rewarding shareholders with a second interim cash dividend while also approving a capital enhancement for its wholly owned subsidiary, Askari Currency Exchange (Pvt.) Limited.
The bank posted an after-tax profit of Rs13.33 billion for the first six months of 2026, representing an increase of approximately 25.5% compared to Rs10.63 billion recorded during the corresponding period last year. Earnings per share (EPS) improved to Rs9.20, up from Rs7.33 in the same period of 2025, reflecting stronger profitability and improved operational performance.
The Board of Directors has recommended a second interim cash dividend of Rs2.00 per share (20%) for the half year ended June 30, 2026. This is in addition to the first interim dividend of Rs2.00 per share (20%) already paid, bringing the total interim cash payout for the year to Rs4.00 per share (40%). The board did not announce any bonus shares, right shares, or other corporate actions.
The bank’s financial performance was supported by growth in both markup and non-markup income. Net markup income reached Rs43.96 billion, while total income increased to Rs56.53 billion during the six-month period. Despite higher operating expenses, Askari Bank maintained healthy profitability through improved revenue generation and prudent risk management.
On the balance sheet, total assets expanded to Rs3.247 trillion as of June 30, 2026, compared with Rs2.895 trillion at the end of December 2025. Customer deposits and other accounts also registered strong growth, increasing to approximately Rs1.847 trillion, highlighting continued customer confidence and business expansion.
In a separate material development, the Board approved an increase in the authorized and paid-up capital of its wholly owned subsidiary, Askari Currency Exchange (Pvt.) Limited. The subsidiary’s authorized capital will be enhanced from Rs1.2 billion to Rs2.0 billion, while its paid-up capital will increase from Rs1.0 billion to Rs1.5 billion, strengthening its capital base to support future growth.
The bank also announced that its share transfer books will remain closed from August 13 to August 18, 2026 (both days inclusive). Shareholders whose names appear on the register of members at the close of business on August 12, 2026, will be entitled to receive the second interim dividend.
The latest results underscore Askari Bank’s continued financial strength, supported by higher earnings, a growing balance sheet, and sustained shareholder returns, while the planned capital injection into its exchange business reflects the bank’s broader strategy to expand and strengthen its financial services portfolio.
