CBZ Holdings Limited delivered a resilient financial performance for the quarter ended 31 March 2026, maintaining balance sheet strength and advancing strategic initiatives despite a challenging global environment.
The Group’s asset base closed at ZWG 40.81 billion, compared to ZWG 41.15 billion in the prior year, supported by stable customer deposits of ZWG 27.83 billion. Loans and advances to customers edged up to ZWG 10.26 billion, reflecting continued credit extension. The balance sheet remains liquid, well-capitalised, and resilient, underpinning the Group’s strong market position.
Profit after tax for the quarter stood at ZWG 361.34 million, down from ZWG 537.53 million in Q1 2025. Total income reached ZWG 1.33 billion. Funded income rose to ZWG 658.48 million, driven by growth in the loan book, while non-funded income moderated to ZWG 878.09 million due to the non-recurrence of once-off treasury bill gains recorded last year.
Core revenue remained steady, with commission and fee income increasing 4.9% to ZWG 524.17 million, supported by digital channel uptake and a stable transactional deposit base. All subsidiaries remain adequately capitalised and compliant with minimum regulatory requirements. The Group continues targeted recapitalisation of business units to support identified growth initiatives.
Directors confirmed the Group remains a going concern, citing adequate resources, positive cash flows, and strong capital and liquidity buffers supported by a diversified income base and sound risk management.
Looking ahead, the operating environment is expected to remain dynamic. Global geopolitical tensions and commodity price volatility pose risks to growth and cost stability, with elevated energy prices likely to sustain pressure on operating costs. Domestically, however, conditions are projected to stay relatively stable, backed by improved agricultural output, exchange rate stability, and supportive policy measures.
Agriculture provided a notable buffer, with cereal production forecast at 2.74 million tonnes and tobacco sales up 63% to 138.4 million kilograms as at Day 32, though softer prices tempered value growth.Capital markets showed strong momentum in the quarter. The ZSE All Share Index gained 29.0% to 358.55 points, while CBZ Holdings’ share price advanced 40% to ZiG 16.09, valuing the Group at ZiG 8.4 billion. The VFEX All-Share Index rose 41.1% to 249.86 points.
The Group said it remains confident in navigating prevailing uncertainties and delivering sustainable value to stakeholders through disciplined risk management, balance sheet optimisation, and customer-focused solutions.
