Impact of Interest Rate Spread On Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nepal
Impact of Interest Rate Spread On Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nepal
Impact of Interest Rate Spread On Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nepal
BY
PARITOSH POUDEL
Roll no: 14472/14
TU Registration number: 7-2-22-16-2014
at the
Patandhoka, Lalitpur
May, 2018
RECOMMENDATION BY SUPERVISOR
This is to certify that the summer project entitled “IMPACT OF INTEREST RATE
SPREAD ON PROFITABILITY OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NEPAL” is an
academic work done by “ Mr. Paritosh Poudel” submitted in the partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration” at faculty of
Management; Tribhuvan University under my guidance and supervision. To the best of my
knowledge, the information presented by him in the summer project report has not been
submitted earlier.
Signature of supervisor
Bijaya Gopal
Shrestha Professor
May, 2018
ii
VIVA - VOCE SHEET
We have conducted the viva - voce examination of the summer project report presented by
Paritosh Poudel
Patandhoka, Lalitpur
Entitled
And found the report to be original work of the student and written according to the
prescribed format. We recommend the report to be accepted as partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of
This is to certify that I have completed the summer project entitled “Impact of interest rate
spread on profitability of commercial banks in Nepal” under the guidance of Prof. Bijaya
Gopal Shrestha in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of
Business Administration at Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University. This is my
original work and I have not submitted it earlier elsewhere.
(………………………….)
Paritosh Poudel
I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to the faculty members of Patan
Multiple Campus who fully support to make it easy for completing this project. My
limitless thanks goes to my supervisor Prof. Bijaya Gopal Shrestha and BBA Director
Dr.Yuga Raj Bhattarai ,the leading faculty of our campus, for painstakingly seeing me
through the arduous task of Bachelor level in Management studies, and also for his
unflinching support and relentless advice to ensure the completion of the project of my
studies.
(………………………….)
Paritosh Poudel
RECOMMENDATION BY SUPERVISOR..........................................................................ii
STUDENTS DECLARATION.............................................................................................iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................................................................v
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................................vi
LIST OF TABLES..............................................................................................................viii
LIST OF FIGURES...............................................................................................................ix
ABBREVIATION..................................................................................................................x
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................................xi
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1
2.2.4 Aggregate analysis of NPM, ROA and IRS of all three selected banks..............24
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
LIST OF TABLES
Table2.3 Data and Descriptive statistics of NPM of NIB, SBI and GBIME.......................19
Table2.4 Data and Descriptive statistics of ROA of NIB, SBI and GBIME........................21
No. : Number
Interest income contributes the major portion of net profit of any depositary institution. The
volume of total lending, total deposits and mobilization of fund depends upon the interest
rate charged and offered by the bank. This study assesses the impact of interest rate spread
on profitability of commercials banks in Nepal. The purpose of the study was to assess the
level of impact of interest rate spread on profitability. Also, the purpose of this study was
to identify and analyze the change of interest rate spread over the period of nine years from
2065/66 to 2073/74 B.S. The independent variable was weighted average interest rate
spread and depended variables were return on assets and net profit margin. Descriptive
statistics and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Population size was 28
commercial banks of Nepal and sample size were 3 commercial banks of Nepal. The
finding showed positive relationship between interest rate spread and profitability of class
“A” banks in Nepal
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
No doubt, there are both theoretical and practical link exist between interest rate and the
financial structure of a firm. Interest rate is defined as a fee charged by a lender to a
borrower for the use of borrowed money, usually expressed as an annual percentage of the
principal. The interest rate depends upon the time value of money, inflation rate, credit risk
of the borrower, liquidity risk and many more. Interest are charged when people/household
and corporations borrow funds for varying purposes from commercial to personal and paid
when people lend to financial institutions through different deposit vehicles.
Brock and Rojas (2000) defines interest rate spread as margin between interest income and
interest expenses as a percentage of total earning assets. Interest rate spreads impacts
directly to the cost of the capital for the borrower as well as it directly impact on
profitability of financial institution. No doubt, higher interest spread rate increases the
profitability and vice-versa.
Commercial banks can increase their profit margins through higher lending rates and
lower deposit rates. Banks do not charge loan rates that are too low because the revenue
from the interest income will not be enough to cover the cost of deposits, general expenses
and the loss of revenue from non-performing loan portfolio. On the other hand, they cannot
charge too high loan rates because they will not be able to keep the banking relationship
with the borrowers with high lending rate. Thus, determination of the appropriate lending
1
rates usually becomes a major issue in banking industry. Moreover, the factors that
determine the level of commercial banks‟ lending rates are important concerns not only for
specific banks but also to policy makers, the banking industry and the public at large.
Financial performance analysis is the process of identifying the financial strength and
weakness of the firm. Quarden (2004) argued financial performance analysis helps in
short-term and long term forecasting and growth which can be identified with the help of
financial performance analysis. The analysis of financial performance is a process of
evaluating the relationship between the component parts of financial statement to obtain
better understanding of the firm‟s position and performance. Similarly, profitability
analysis is also the process of identifying and analyzing the position of net profit, return on
investment, earning per share, and return on equity e.t.c. Profitability analysis is a branch
of financial performance analysis.
What are the major impacts of change in interest rate spread in commercial banks?
Angbazo ( 1997) examined the determinants of bank net interest margins for a sample of
US banks using annual data for 1989- 1993 in a country specific basis. The results for the
pooled sample suggested that the proxies for default risk, opportunity cost of non-interest
bearing reserves, leverage and management efficiency are all statistically significant and
positively related to bank interest margins. The ratio of liquid assets to total liabilities, a
proxy for low liquidity risk, was inversely related to the bank interest margins.
Chirwa and Mlachila (2002) found that interest rate spreads in Malawi increased
significantly after implementing financial liberalization reforms due partially to high
monopoly power within the industry coupled with the high incidence of interlocking
ownership and directorship in the Malawian banking system which effectively stifled
competition. Their study strongly concluded that high interest rate spreads in developing
countries will persist if financial sector reforms do not alter the structure within which
banks operate.
Khawaja and Din (2007) investigate the determinants of interest rate spreads in Pakistan
using panel data on 29 banks for the period 1998 to 2005. They use the industry variables
of concentration and deposit inelasticity and firm variables including market share,
liquidity, administrative costs, asset quality, and the macroeconomic variables of real
output, inflation, and real interest rates. They conclude that the inelasticity of deposit
supply is a major determinant of interest rate spread.
Beck and Hesse (2009) analyzed factors explaining interest rate spreads in Uganda and
compared with peer African countries for the period between 1999 and 2005. They used
panel data set of 1390 banks from 86 countries. To explain the high variation in interest
rate margins across countries, they used bank size, exchange rate depreciation, real T bill
rate, liquidity ratio, concentration, inflation, GDP growth, institution development and
overhead costs. They reported that that most of the bank specific as well as macroeconomic
factor are relevant in explaining high banking margins in Uganda. However, the foreign
banks and changes in market structure had no significant relation with interest rate spreads.
They concluded that size, high T bill rates and institutional deficiencies explained large
proportions of Ugandan interest margins.
Maudos and Solis (2009) analyzed the determinants of net interest income in Mexican
banking sector for the period between 1993 and 2005. Their sample constituted of 43
commercial banks with 289 annual observations of an unbalanced panel data. They
observed high interest margins for Mexico. They considered various explanatory factors to
explain the behavior of banking spreads. These included operating costs, volatility of
interest rates, implicit interest payments, quality of management, non interest income,
credit risk, degree of risk aversion, market risk, transaction size, liquidity, cost to gross
income, GDP growth and inflation rate. The reported results reflected that except for
liquidity all other variables were significantly related to interest rate spreads. They
concluded that the high Mexican spreads are mainly a function of average operating costs
and market power while non interest income, despite of increasing over the years
economic.
Afzal and Mirza (2010) have explored the determinants of interest rate spread in Pakistan
commercial banking sector in the post-transition period (2004-2009), using an exhaustive
set of macro and firm level to analyze their impact on intermediary efficiency. They
introduced two innovative variables: the default likelihood indicator and the proportion of
public sector deposit in total deposit. The results suggested that the intermediary efficiency
is affected by banks size, operational efficiencies, asset quality, liquidity , risk absorption
capacity, and gross domestic product(GDP) growth rate. They could not find evidence to
support the impact of interest rate volatility and financial development indicators on
banking spreads.
Kipngetich (2011) examined the effect on interest rates on the performance of commercial
banks in Kenya. The study used published incomes statement of commercial banks
between 2006 and 2010 to model the relationship between interest rates and financial
performance. The study concluded that in the short term, interest rates did not have a
significant effect on profitability of commercial banks. The study recommended the
application of diversification strategies to enhance performance of commercial banks.
Perez(2011) has examined the components of interest rate spreads in Belize using
accounting data and then seeks to identify the factors that affect interest rate spreads using
a panel dynamic least squares model. The study concludes that market share and adversely
classified loans are two main determinants of the spread. Based on these findings, the study
suggests policy recommendations to reduce information asymmetries and increase
competition in the Belizean financial sector.
Mangeli(2012) has conducted a research to find out relationship between interest rate
spread and financial performance of the commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted a
descriptive research design on a sample of quoted commercial banks in Kenya. The study
used secondary data and quantitative technique in data analysis to the relationship between
the interest rate spread and performance of commercial banks. The findings of the research
concludes that interest rate spread affect the performance of commercial banks, as it
increases the cost of loans charged on the borrowers, regulations on interest rates have far
reaching effects on performance of commercial since they determine the interest rate
spread in banks and also help mitigate moral hazards incidental to performance of
commercial banks, credit risk management technique remotely affects the value of a
bank‟s interest rates spread as interest rates are benchmarked against the associated non-
performing loans and non-performing loans is attributable to high cost of loans.
Nazir, Butt and Nawaz (2012) worked on interest rate determinants of banks in Pakistan.
Data of 4 years of 30 banks was included in this research paper. Correlation analysis
techniques was used to find the relationship between weighted average rate of interest and
10 independent variables like bank specific factors, inflation rate, credit risk, amount of
deposit, administrative cost, profit margins, macroeconomic conditions etc. The results
showed that administrative costs, credit risk, deposit amounts and profit margins are
important factors to determine interest rate and they have positive relationship with interest
rate. The relation of Bank's liquidity and deposit amount is negative with interest rate.
While some factors have no significant relationship with interest rate like inflation rate and
market share.
Irungu(2013) has examined the effect of interest rate spread on financial performance of
commercial banks in Kenya. The target population in this study was 43 commercial banks
in Kenya and data were collected from central bank supervision report. SPSS (Statistical
Package for Social Scientists) and regression analysis were used to analyze the data and
find out whether exist a relationship between interest rate spread and performance of
commercial banks in Kenya. The study found that there is strong positive relationship
between financial performances of commercial banks with interest rate spread. Study found
variables are significance to influencing financial performance of Kenya banks. The study
found that interest rate spread affect performance assets in banks as it increases the cost of
loans charged on the borrowers, regulation on interest rates have far reaching effects on
assets non-performance. The study recommends there is need for government to regulate
interest rates as this would help to safeguard borrowers from exploitation by commercial
banks.
Okech (2013) undertook a study on the effect of lending rates on the performance of
commercial banks in Kenya. The study considered management efficiency and operating
cost efficiency, in regard to lending interest rate. The study found that a weak positive
relationship between lending rates and performance of commercial banks. Since interest
rates accounted for only 14.4% of the revenue in commercial banks, the study
recommended income source diversification for better performance.
Khan and Sattar (2014) studied “Impact of Interest Rate Changes on the Profitability of
four Major Commercial Banks in Pakistan”. In this research interest rate and bank
profitability were used as explanatory and explained variables respectively. Pearson
correlation model was used to conclude results. They concluded that a positive strong
relationship exist between interest rate and bank profitability
Mbao, Kapembwa, Mooka, Rasmussen and Sichalwe (2014) have studied the determinants
of bank lending rates in Zambia. They have employed panel regression techniques using
detailed bank-specific data. Their results indicate that lending rates are to a significant
extent influenced by variables relating to banks‟ costs. They found that inflation has
significant impact on nominal interest rates on an almost one-to-one basis. Apart from
inflation, however, elements of banks‟ balance sheet reveal that lending rates are to a
significant extent also positively impacted by variables associated with higher cost
structures or lower income.
Bhattarai( 2015) has investigated the determinants of lending rate of Nepalese commercial
banks. The analysis of data was based on a sample of 6 commercial banks observed over
the period 6 years (2010 to 2015). The models used in the study were: pooled OLS model,
fixed effects model and random effects model. This study has used „lending rate‟ as
dependent variable, while the explanatory variables are: operating cost to total assets ratio,
deposit interest rate, profitability (ROA) and default risk. The estimated results of these
three regression models reveal that operating costs to total assets ratio, profitability (ROA)
and default risk have significant positive impact on the commercial bank lending rate.
However, deposit rate has negligible impact on lending interest rate. Thus, this study
concludes that the major determinants of commercial banks‟ lending rate are: operating
costs to total assets ratio, profitability (ROA) and default risk in Nepalese perspectives.
Maina (2015) studied determinants of interest rate spread among commercial banks of
Kenya. This study adopted descriptive and correlation designs to determine relationship
between the independent variables and the interest rate spreads the dependent variable. The
sample units for this study were twenty seven (27) commercial banks. He concluded that
inflation, operating costs generally has no effects on interest rate spread among commercial
banks in Kenya while market structure, ownership structure and business risk play
important role in determination of interest rate spread.
Mwangi and Wambari (2017) studied the effect of interest rates on financial performance
of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted an explanatory research design.
Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data using statistical package
for social the social science (SPSS). The study concluded that there is a positive significant
relationship between lending rate ratio and financial performance of commercial banks.
The study also arrived at the conclusion that deposit interest ratio negatively affects bank
performance. Moreover, the study concluded that liquidity management and asset quality
affect performance positively and negatively respectively.
Based on the theory and past empirical studies, we came to know that interest rate spread
directly affect the profitability of the commercial bank. Interest rate spread is the difference
between lending rate and deposit rate. Although, there are various theories and past
research paper in the field of interest rate and profitability of commercial banks , there is
still lack of latest research and article, so this research will help to cover research gap to
some extent. This research is based on latest data available in annual report. So, this
research will guide the upcoming researcher for completing others similar research work.
This study is based on the descriptive research design that uses secondary data. Descriptive
statistics are used to describe the basic features of the data in a study. They provide simple
summaries about the sample and the measures. Together with simple graphics analysis,
they form the basis of virtually every quantitative analysis of data.
A research design is simply the framework or plan for a study used as a guide in collecting
and analyzing data. Research designs can be classified into some basic types according to
fundamental objective of the research which include descriptive and exploratory. This
study is descriptive in nature.
1.6.2 Source of data
While doing study and preparing this report, the secondary source of data collection was
used. Secondary source of data collection includes those data which are obtained from the
published sources like newspaper, articles, books, companies‟ websites, magazines, and
many more. This study has mainly used audited annual published by the organization.
The quantitative data were used to prepare the project report which is assessed from the
annual reports published by the companies. The data were collected from the websites of
the respective companies.
A small portion chosen from the population for studying its properties is called a sample
and the number of unit in the sample is known as the sample size. Since the research topic
is about the interest rate spread of commercial banks of Nepal, so, all the depository
institution of class A banks of Nepal are the member of population study.
The population for the study comprises 28 commercial banks. Out of the total commercial
banks operating in Nepal, 3 commercial banks are taken as the sample of the study from
the fiscal year 2065/66 to2073/74. Nepal Investment Bank Limited, SBI Bank Limited and
Global IME Bank Limited are taken as a sample.
Table 1.1
Sample Banks and the Year of study
SN Bank Fiscal year No. of period
observed
1 NIB 2065/66-2073/74 9
2 SBI 2065/66-2073/74 9
3 GBIME 2065/66-2073/74 9
TOTAL 27
1.6.5 Data analysis tools
Mean = ∑𝑿
𝒏
Where, X= Mean
∑X= Sum of all the variable X
n= variable involved
The standard deviation is the best tools to measure fluctuation in any data. It is usually
denoted by sigma. The standard deviation is defined as the positive square root of the
arithmetic mean of the square deviations from their arithmetic mean of a set of values.
Correlation coefficient is the statistical tools which measures the degree of relationship
of one variable with other variable. Two or more variables are said to be correlated if
change in the value of one variable appears to be related or linked with the change in
the other variables. Correlation may be positive or negative and ranges from -1 to +1,
there is positive perfect correlation; when r = -1. There is perfect negative correlation;
when r = 0. There is no correlation and when r = 0.5 then there is low degree of
correlation.
𝑛∑𝑥1𝑥2 − ∑𝑥1𝑥2
= √𝑛∑𝑥12 − (𝑥1)2√𝑛∑𝑥22 − (𝑥2)2
1.6.5.4 Kurtosis
Kurtosis is statistical measure that is used to describe the distribution, of observed data
around the mean sometimes referred to as the volatility of volatility. Kurtosis is used in
statistical field to describe in the trend charts. Kurtosis can be present in a chart with fat
tails and a low, even distribution, as well as be present in a chart with skinny tails and
distribution concentrated toward mean.
1
( 𝑄3−𝑄1)
K= 2
𝑃90−𝑃10
Where,
Q= quartile
P= percentile
1.6.5.5 Skewness
3(𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 −𝑀𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛 )
Sk(P) =
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
If Sk(P) = 0, then this shows that the distribution is symmetrical (non -skewed)
If Sk(P) > 0, then this shows that the distribution is positively skewed or right
skewed
If Sk(P) <0, then this shows that the distribution is negatively skewed or left skewed
1.6.5.6 Study variables
In this study, weighted average interest rate spread is taken as independent variables
whereas return on assets and net profit margin is considered as dependent variables. The
study focuses to examine the impact of weighted average interest rate spread on return on
assets and net profit margin.
Chapter II: Data presentation and analysis section includes organization profile,
Data analysis and major finding of the study.
Bank is a depositary financial institution that collects deposit from the surplus unit of an
economy and lends loan to deficit unit of an economy. It is highly regulated business all
over the world. In another word, bank can be defined as any business organization that
offers acceptance of deposits, which is subject to withdrawal on demand (either through
check or electronic transfer, or both) and grants loans and credit to private individual and
business firms on commercial basis.
Banking sector of Nepal has got massive growth and potential over the years. There is a
considerable expansion in the profitability of banking sector. Banking sector of Nepal,
sometimes face problems like liquidity, and solvency which have considerable impact on
the performance of banking sector and financial system. The situation and problem of
liquidity and solvency can be resolved by managing enough amount of liquidity. Banks
operate in very competitive and complex environment. It has become obligatory to pay
handsome interest to attract the liquidity. On the other hand, increased knowledge about
the share market to general public is also leading the liquidity problem in the banking
sectors since the attractive return, despite the risk is attracting the people who have money
in their hands. To make banking system stable requires stable macroeconomic environment
which adds to efficient and effective growth of savings and investment decision. The
performance of banking system particularly in the areas of monetary policy, transparent
fiscal policy and financial stabilization should be supported by macroeconomic measures.
Nepal Rastra Bank plays an important role in the efficient and effective growth of economy
by providing guidelines to the financial institutions thus facilitating the investors and
mobilizing the resources of the economy for development in the country. The cheapest
source of funding for competitive banking institution is profit and it is a major requirement
for banking sectors. The rising competition in the financial market makes it necessary for
the success of banking industry. These key facts are the reason to focus in the present issue
of bank profitability.
As we know bank provide financial service to the customers and a reward bank charge
interest. Most funds are collected through depositors and they also receive interest. Interest
is the margin between the bank earning on its assets and payment to depositors. Interest is
the rent paid for the use of money. The interest rate is determined by the demand and
supply of the loanable fund. Interest rate plays a very important role in allocation of
resources in the decision making of consumer and business. For example, based on
monetary policy if NRB changes interest rate then the changes in the interest rate will
influence the cost of capital and as a result the investment decision and level of
consumption will be affected. When the interest rate of depositors decrease and due to that
if spread increases then it will discourage the savings and on the other hand, if interest rate
to depositor increases then it will badly affect the investment. That is why there are
important implications of these changes in the interest rate on the economy. As compared
to other institutions banks are more sensitive to the change in the interest rates. The fee
paid for using someone else money is generally known as interest. Interest rate sends price
signals to borrowers, lenders and savers. Higher interest rate generally brings a high
amount of saving which simultaneously increase the investment. Lower rate of return on
the other hand tend to reduce the volume of borrowing and capital investment. Usually
interest rate is expressed in annual percentage
Currently there are 28 commercials banks operating in Nepal. The lists of commercial
banks are given below:
Table 2.1
List of all commercial banks in Nepal
S.N. Name of commercial Banks Established year (A.D)
Source: www.nrb.org.np
A short description of sample bank can be obtained from following table.
Table 2.2
Profile of sample banks
Bank Established Year No. of staffs Number of ATM. Number of Branches
NIB 1986 1187 98 61
SBI 1993 768 62 96
GBIME 2007 1348 128 120
All the sample banks are the leading commercial banks in Nepal. Among them, NIB is the
oldest bank where as GBIME is the youngest bank. As per the number of branches and
ATM machines, GBIME comes at first position.
The data related to interest rate spread and profitability of concerned bank is collected
form annual report published by the bank from its key principle indicator section. In this
data presentation and analysis section, collected data are presented and its analysis id done.
For the analysis of interest rate spread, weighted average interest rate is taken and for the
analysis of profitability, variables like return on assets (ROA), net profit margin (NPM) is
taken. Analysis is carried out by using simple regression model and descriptive statistics
tools.
Net profit margin (NPM) represents the ratio of net profits to total revenue of the business.
It reflects effectiveness of expenses of expense management, cost control, and service
pricing policies of the banks. Typically expressed as a percentage, net profit margins show
how much of each amount collected by a company as revenue translates into profit. Table
2.1.1 shows the position of NPM with respect to the Nepal Investment Bank (NIB), SBI
bank and Global IME bank (GBIME).
Table2.3
Data and Descriptive statistics of Net profit margin of NIB, SBI and GBIME
Fiscal Year NPM of NIB NPM of SBI NPM of GBIME
2065/066 24 19.14 7.87
2066/067 23.9 15.36 10.92
2067/068 18.2 13.21 26.19
2068/069 15.5 11.25 28.97
2069/070 28.3 16.47 24.4
2070/071 27.8 19.97 41.05
2071/072 28.1 23.22 30.32
2072/073 31 27.17 35.03
2073/074 28.1 21.55 42.34
Mean 24.99 18.59 27.45
Standard deviation 5.16 5.05 11.95
C.V 0.21 0.26 0.44
Minimum 15.5 11.25 7.87
Maximum 31 27.17 42.34
Skewness -0.98 0.20 -0.55
Kurtosis -0.06 -0.51 -0.52
As per the table 2.3, NPM of GBIME seems strong. The mean value of GBIME‟s NPM
(27.45%) is greater than that of SBI (18.59%) and NIB (24.99%). The value of maximum
NPM also shows strong status of GBIME then that of SBI and NIB. Comparatively, status
of NIB also seems good with respect to minimum and maximum NPM than SBI. The
standard deviation (S.D) of NPM data over nine years shows much higher (S.D=11.95) of
GBIME than of SBI (S.D=5.05) and NIB (S.D=5.16). It indicates much volatility and high
earning risk with respect to the NIB and SBI in absolute basis. Since standard deviation
measures absolute risk, coefficient of variation (CV) has also been calculated to analyze
the relative earning risk. Accordingly, the result shows the earning risk of NIB is lower
than SBI and GBIME.
Recognizing the role of the nature and shape of data distribution in further statistical
analysis, the skewness and kurtosis of NPM has been measured as a part of descriptive
statistics. Skewness reflects the asymmetry of a distribution. The NPM of NIB and GBIME
are negatively skewed where the NPM data of SBI is positively skewed. A distribution
with a negative kurtosis value indicates that the distribution has lighter tails and a flatter
peak than the normal distribution. NPM data of both the banks indicates such a situation.
The overview of the aforesaid analysis is illustrated in the trend chart. Figure 2.1 gives the
glimpse of the trend of net profit margin (NPM) of Nepal Investment Bank, Nepal SBI
Bank Ltd and Global IME Bank Ltd.
45
Trend Chart of NPM of Sample Banks
40
35
30
NPM
25
NPM NIBL
20 NPM SBI NPM GBIME
15
5
10
Year
Return on assets (ROA) is an indicator of how profitable a company is relative to its total
assets. ROA gives an idea as to how efficient management is at using its assets to generate
earnings. It is calculated by dividing a company's annual earnings by its total assets, ROA
is displayed as a percentage. Table 2.4 shows the position of ROA with respect to the
Nepal Investment Bank (NIB), SBI bank and Global IME bank (GBIME).
Table2.4
Data and Descriptive statistics of Return on Assets of NIB, SBI and GBIME
Fiscal Year ROA of NIB ROA of SBI ROA of GBIME
2065/066 1.7 1.05 0.21
2066/067 2.2 1.03 0.42
2067/068 2 1.01 1.28
2068/069 1.6 0.83 0.87
2069/070 2.6 1.19 1.15
2070/071 2.3 1.5 1.62
2071/072 1.9 1.7 1.39
2072/073 2 2 1.58
2073/074 2.1 1.68 1.72
Mean 2.09 1.37 1.25
Standard deviation 0.29 0.41 0.44
C.V 0.14 0.30 0.35
Minimum 1.6 0.83 0.42
Maximum 2.6 2 1.72
Skewness 0.16 0.21 -1.03
Kurtosis 0.95 -1.38 0.62
As per the table 2.4, ROA of NIB seems strong. The mean value of ROA of NIB (2.09) is
much greater than of SBI (1.37) and GBIME (1.25). The value of minimum and maximum
also shows the strong status of NIB in comparison with SBI and GBIME. Also, the
standard deviation of NIB regarding ROA is less than standard deviation of other two
banks. It indicates less volatility and low return risk with respect to SBI and GBIME in
absolute basis. The ROA data of GBIME is negatively skewed where as ROA data of NIB
and SBI are positively skewed. The coefficient skewness regarding ROA data of NIB and
SBI seems fairly symmetrical. It is because the coefficient is in the range of -0.5 and 0.5.
The overview of the aforesaid analysis is illustrated in the trend chart. Figure 2.1 gives the
glimpse of the trend of net profit margin (NPM) of Nepal Investment Bank, Nepal SBI
Bank Ltd and Global IME Bank Ltd.
3
Trend Chart of ROA of Sample Banks
2.5
2
ROA
1.5
ROA NIBL
1
ROA SBI
0.5ROA of GBIME
0
Year
The weighted average interest rate is the difference between aggregate rate of interest
charged to loan and aggregate rate of interest paid to depositors. Accepting deposits and
granting credit is the primary function of depository institution so, interest rate plays a
major role in determining the volume of transaction on these primary functions. Table
2.5shows the percentage of average weighted interest rate of Nepal Investment Bank, SBI
Bank, and Global IME Bank.
Table2.5
Data and Descriptive statistics weighted average interest rate spread of NIB, SBI
and GBIME
Fiscal Year IRS of NIB IRS of SBI IRS of GBIME
2065/066 3.9 2.84 3.05
2066/067 4.4 2.76 3.05
2067/068 4.1 2.86 3.27
2068/069 4.5 2.7 3.88
2069/070 5.5 3.38 4.21
2070/071 4.8 3.45 5.34
2071/072 4.6 3.85 4.11
2072/073 4.7 4.00 4.52
2073/074 4.3 3.68 3.36
Mean 4.53 3.28 3.87
Standard deviation 0.46 0.52 0.77
C.V 0.02 0.16 0.20
Minimum 3.9 2.7 3.05
Maximum 5.5 4 5.34
Skewness 0.95 0.17 0.75
Kurtosis 1.83 -1.81 0.05
As per the table 2.5, the weighted average interest rate spread of NIB seems higher than
SBI and GBIME. The mean value of average weighted average interest rate spread over
nine years (4.53%) is more than that of SBI (3.28%) and GBIME (3.87). The value of
minimum and maximum interest rate spread also shows same. It means the difference
between lending rate and deposit rate if NIB id higher than other two sample banks.
However, standard deviation of interest rate spread of GBIME is higher (0.77) than that of
SBI (0.52) and NIB (0.46). It indicates more volatility and risk of GBIME with respect to
NIB and GBIME. All the data of interest rate spread of sample banks are positively
skewed.
The overview of the aforesaid analysis is illustrated in the trend chart. Figure 2.3 gives the
glimpse of the trend of IRS of Nepal Investment Bank, Nepal SBI Bank Ltd and Global
IME Bank Ltd.
5
W.Avg.IRS
3 W.Avg.IRS OF NIBL
W.Avg.IRS of SBI W.Avg.IRS GBIME
2
1
0
Year
2.2.4 Aggregate analysis of NPM, ROA and IRS of all three selected banks.
Table2.6
Aggregate analysis of NPM, ROA, and IRS
Variables Mean S.D C.V Minimum Maximum Skewness Kurtosis
NPM 23.68 8.63 0.36 7.87 42.34 0.23 -0.1
ROA 1.5 0.57 0.38 0.21 2.6 -0.36 -0.07
IRS 3.89 0.77 0.20 2.7 5.5 0.21 -0.63
Table 2.6 reflects the overall profitability in a single table. It has included aggregate NPM,
ROA, and IRS of all selected commercial banks. The average (mean) NPM of is 23.68%
where as ROA of sampled bank in aggregate form is 1.5%. Similarly, the minimum NPM
over the period of nine years is 7.87 where as maximum NPM is 42.34 %. The average
interest rate spread of all sample banks is 3.89%. It indicates that there is difference of
3.89% between lending interest rate and deposit interest rate in aggregate of all sample
banks. The minimum IRS of sample banks is observed 2.7% where as maximum IRS is
observed 5.5%. The C.V of ROA is higher than C.V of NPM and ROA. A coefficient of
variation (CV) is a statistical measure of the dispersion of data points in a data series
around the mean. The coefficient of variation represents the ratio of the standard
deviation to the mean, and it is a useful statistic for comparing the degree of variation from
one data series to another, even if the means are drastically different from one another.
Therefore, the variation in ROA is high and variation in ISR is low.
Similarly, the aggregate data of ROA is negatively skewed where as NPM and IRS is
positively skewed. Recognizing the role of the nature and shape of data distribution in
further statistical analysis, the skewness and kurtosis of NPM has been measured as a part
of descriptive statistics. Skewness reflects the asymmetry of a distribution. A distribution
with a negative kurtosis value indicates that the distribution has lighter tails and a flatter
peak than the normal distribution. NPM, ROA and IRS of all banks in aggregate form
indicate such a situation.
Correlation shows the relationship between the variable. In this section relation between
the net profit margin, return on asset and weighted average interest rate spread is shown.
Table 2.7
Correlation analysis between weighted average interest rate spread and NPM
Wet.Avg. IRS (%) NPM(%)
Wet.Avg. IRS (%) 1
NPM(%) 0.63 1
Table 2.7 shows relationship between the weighted average interest rate spread and net
profit margin. Here the correlation of weighted average interest spread rate and net profit
margin is 0.63 which indicate positive relation between these two variables. If the weighted
average interest rate is increase, the NPM also increase in the positive manner.
Table 2.8
Regression analysis of weighted average interest rate spread and NPM
Intercept R-square R adjusted p-value Frequency Significance
-3.5312 0.3918 0.36748 0.6137 16.1052 4.79E-04
The table 2.8 presents the overall regression coefficient of observed variables. The
statistics in table shows that, there is a perfect model fit with an F-statistics of 16.1052,
significance at 95%. This means that the model specification is correct and that the selected
independent variable is determinants of NPM. Here significance is less than 0.05 which
indicates the model is fit and there is relationship between the dependent and independent
variables. The model summary also shows that R is 0.63 with p-value 0.6 imply that there
is very significant relationship between the weighted average spread rate and NPM. It also
shows that model explain up to 39.18% of the variation in the NPM of the banks. Adjusted
NPM is account for taking all observation, so, this show variation is 36.75%.
Table2.9
Correlation between ROA and weighted average interest rate spread
Wet.Avg. IRS (%) ROA(%)
Wet.Avg. IRS (%) 1
ROA(%) 0.746786 1
Table 2.9 shows relationship between the weighted average interest rate spread and return
on assets. Here the correlation of weighted average interest spread rate and return on assets
is 0.75 which indicate positive relation between these two variables. If the weighted
average interest rate is increase, the ROA also increase in the positive manner.
Table 2.10
Regression analysis of ROA and weighted average interest rate spread
Intercept R-square R adjusted p-value Frequency Significance
-0.6366 0.55769 0.27703 0.11391 31.5213 7.67E-06
The table 2.10 presents the overall regression coefficient of observed variables. The
statistics in table shows that, there is a perfect model fit with an F-statistics of 31.5213,
significance at 95%. This means that the model specification is correct and that the selected
independent variable is determinants of ROA. Here significance is less than 0.05 which
indicates the model is fit and there is relationship between the dependent and independent
variables. The model summary also shows that R is 0.75 with p-value 0.12; imply that
there is very significant relationship between the weighted average spread rate and ROA. It
also shows that model explain up to 27.70% of the variation in the ROA of the banks.
Adjusted ROA is account for taking all observation, so, this show variation is 27.70%.
A bank is a depositary institution. Its primary function is to accept deposit and grants loan
for household and business sector. It transfers funds from surplus unit of an economy to
deficit unit of an economy.
Interest income is the main income of any depository institution. Bank charge interest to
the lender and provide interest to the depositors. The difference between interest charged
and paid is simply known as interest rate spread. The study shows that there is positive
relationship between interest rate spread and profitability of commercial banks in Nepal.
The major findings of the study after the analysis of secondary data are as follows:
The average NPM of all sample banks is 23.68% and ROA is 1.5% and IRS is
3.89% over the observed period of 9 years from 2065/66 to 2073/74.
The average NPM of GBIME seems stronger than NIB and SBI but average ROA
of NIB is stronger than SBI and GBIME.
The weighted average interest rate spread of NIB is greater (4.53%) than SBI and
GBIME over the observed period.
There is positive relationship between weighted average IRS, ROA and NPM.
The correlation between IRS and ROA is 0.74% whereas correlation between NPM
and IRS is 0.63 %.
It indicates if ISR increases then it results to the increase in NPM and ROA.
CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION AND ACTION IMPLICATION
Bank is a depositary institution which collects fund from surplus unit of an economy and
grants loan to the deficit unit of an economy. Bank charges interest on lending and provide
interest on deposit. The difference between lending interest rate and deposit interest rate in
known as interest rate spread. Interest income is the major income of any depositary
institutions. This study focus on the impact of interest rate spread on income of commercial
banks in Nepal.
This study is based on secondary data. All the data were collected from the annual report
of respective banks from the section of key principle indicator. The study is descriptive in
nature. The ROA, NPM is taken as a variable to measure profitability and weighted
average interest rate spread is considered as a variable of interest rate spread.
By studying the weighted average interest rate of all samples banks, the minimum IRS was
2.7% and maximum was 5.5%. This indicates that interest rate is changing over time. The
study shows that where there is high interest rate spread, there will be high profitability i.e
high return on equity, high net profit margin e.t.c.
The findings of this research are not only being an academic contribution but also useful to
the policymakers in taking further measures to ensure efficient and competitive banking
sector of Nepal. It may be suggested that the policy makers / regulators should look into
the key determinants influencing the IRS and guide the commercial banks to maintain the
stable IRS through appropriate measures.
3.1 Summary of the Findings
Interest rate directly impact on overall economic activity of a nation. Low interest rate to
borrower encourages them to take loan from bank whereas low interest rate to depositors
discourages them to deposit money on the bank. So bank has to make balance between
deposit rate and lending rate. A bank should maintain optimum level of interest rate spread
to attract both depositors and debtor.
The study concluded that there is clear positive relationship between interest rate spread
and banks profitability. When interest rate spread increases, it will lead to increase
profitability, i.e. increase in return on equity, return on assets, net profit margin, earning
per share e.t.c. and vice versa.
The study has explored the impact of interest rate spread on profitability of commercial
banks in Nepal. The impact of IRS in different variables of profitability has been observed.
The research is conducted by using latest data. This research gave clear evidence that
factor of profitability is directly affected by interest rate spread. Te study has checked the
level of impact of change in profitability by change in spread rate by using correlation and
regression model. On the basis of analysis and findings of study, following action
implication can be pointed out:
Interest rate is very sensitive factor for a banking industry, so bank must determine
an interest rate in competitive way.
Bank should determine an interest rate in such a way that it could attract both
depositor and debtor.
This research is conducted based on latest data including last fiscal year, so it is a
real picture of commercial banks.
The new researcher can use it as a reference for conducting study on similar topic.
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APPENDICES