[Manama, 14 May 2014]: Gulf Finance House (GFH), the Bahrain based Islamic investment bank, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014, another period of profitability and stable results for the Bank.

GFH reported a net profit of US$1.1 million for the quarter compared to US$1.5 million for the same quarter in the previous year. Total income for the period was US$29.7 million compared with US$11.1 million during the first quarter of 2013. This includes US$22.5 million from consolidation of the results of Cemena Holding, which became a subsidiary of GFH during the quarter, and which is involved in the industrial business. Operating costs for the quarter were US$28.6 million. Excluding costs related to industrial operations, normalized operating expenses were US$8.8 million versus US$8.3 million in the prior year period, with the Bank continuing efforts to align costs and streamline operations.

Commenting on the results, Hisham Alrayes, CEO of GFH, said, “The first quarter of the year was a period of continued progress and stable results for GFH. This included good performance at a number of our subsidiaries including Cemena Holdings, the Bank’s industrial investment company. Core to our strategy has been to maximise the value of our assets and we are pleased with ongoing developments on this front. This includes further strides on key projects such as the Tunis Financial Harbour during the quarter, where significant advancements have been made on infrastructure works for Phase I of the mega project.”

Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chairman of GFH, said “GFH has started executing a strategy to achieve a growth in profitability in the periods ahead. In doing so, the coming months will see the Bank focus on four core verticals -Asset Management, Commercial Banking, Real Estate Development and the Industrial activities -all areas in which we have significant expertise and track record and where we continue to see strong opportunities for the Bank and our investors.”

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About Gulf Finance House

Since its establishment in 1999, Bahrain based Gulf Finance House (GFH) has while distinguished by managing and placing investment in the Middle East and North Africa “MENA” region. Banks activities are focused on development of Islamic Financial Institutions, Infrastructure Projects, Private Equities, and Asset Management. GFH is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, the Bahraini Stock Exchange, the Dubai Financial Market and the London Stock Exchange in the form of a GDR.

For further information please contact:
Nawal Al-Naji
Officer- Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +973 17538538
Email: nalnaji@gfh.com
Website: www.gfh.com