Chamwe Kaira
Capricorn Group Limited, with operations in Namibia and Botswana, posted a profit after tax of N$1.99 billion for the year ended 30 June, up from N$1.74 billion in 2024. Return on equity rose to 18.2% from 17.9% in the previous year.
Group CEO David Nuyoma said the results reflect the strength of its business and the resilience of its teams. He credited prudent capital allocation, disciplined strategic execution, and investment in digital and data capabilities for the improved earnings and returns to shareholders.
The group created a value of N$5.7 billion, an increase of 11.7% from the prior year. Of this, N$1.4 billion went to employee remuneration and benefits, N$1.1 billion was paid to suppliers, mostly local, while N$1.4 billion was paid in taxes. Communities received more than N$26.7 million.
Group financial director Johan Maass said the results came from solid performances across the portfolio, including Bank Windhoek, Bank Gaborone, Capricorn Asset Management, Entrepo, Peo Finance, and associates Paratus, Sanlam Allianz Namibia, and Santam Namibia.
Net interest income before impairment charges increased by 10.1% to N$3.4 billion, supported by 3.7% loan book growth and cost-of-funding management. Non-interest income rose 13.1%, driven by higher transaction fee volumes on digital channels and growth in asset management fees.
Operating expenses grew by 10.8%, reflecting higher transaction volumes, staff costs, and technology investments. The cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.5% from 50%, below the group’s 52% threshold.
Non-performing loans remained at 4%. Impairment charges fell to N$315 million from N$328 million, while the loan loss rate improved to 0.61% from 0.67%. Gross loans and advances rose 3.6% to N$52.5 billion, mainly from term loans, mortgages, and instalments.
Liquid assets increased to N$18.7 billion. Liquidity surpluses stood at 182% in Namibia and 81% in Botswana. The loan-to-funding ratio rose to 88.8% from 86.3%, still below the 90% threshold.
The risk-based capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.1%, above the regulatory minimum of 12.5%. The group declared a final dividend of 74 cents per share, bringing the total ordinary dividend to 135 cents for 2025, up 20.5% from 112 cents in 2024.
