Nigeria’s Skye Extends Decline to Record Low as Diamond Falls

LAGOS, Nigeria, Capital Markets in Africa: Nigeria’s Diamond Bank Plc and Skye Bank Plc slumped for the straight third day after the central bank stepped in to remove Skye’s top management a week ago.

Skye Bank plummeted 9.2 percent to 79 kobo, a fresh all-time low by the close of trading, and Diamond Bank slid by 8 percent to 1.85 naira, the lowest since May 19. Skye’s stock has fallen by 25 percent since the July 4 intervention by the central bank, the worst performer over the period on the 171-memberNigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index this year.

Nigeria’s central bank replaced Skye’s chief executive officer, chairman and 10 other directors on July 4, saying the steps were necessary after the Lagos-based bank’s liquidity and non-performing loan ratios consistently breached required levels. While the central bank moved to calm markets, saying Skye and the industry remained healthy, analysts highlighted fears of contagion.

“There is perception some other banks are under that kind of situation that affected Skye Bank, which is affecting the stocks,” Sewa Wusu, head of research and investment advisory at SCM Capital Ltd. in Lagos said by phone. Other banks are also suffering in the aftermath of the central bank’s intervention. Wema Bank Plc fell 4.8 percent, Unity Bank Plc slid 4.7 percent, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc dropped by 3.7 percent, while Fidelity Bank declined by 3.4 percent.

“It is felt because of the economic situation, most banks are heavy on non-performing loans, which may worsen with devaluation” of the naira, Wusu said. “The new management at Skye Bank will need to look at areas the bank has fallen short and come up with strategy to address them. Its strategy will determine the level of confidence investors will bring back to the bank.”

Source: Bloomberg Business News