KienlongBank (KLB) Reports Record 2025 Profit, 22.11% ROE, and 60% Dividend

Overview

KienlongBank (KLB) reported a record pre-tax profit of over VND 2,323 billion for 2025, with Return on Equity (ROE) surging to 22.11%, ranking second in the banking sector. The bank announced a 60% dividend payout and cited a 131% stock price increase for the year, attributing its performance to a successful five-year restructuring and a ‘Digital First’ digital transformation strategy.

Key Facts

• Pre-tax profit for 2025 exceeded VND 2,323 billion, a record high for the bank.
• Return on Equity (ROE) reached 22.11%, ranking second in the banking sector.
• The bank announced a 60% dividend payout for 2025.
• Stock price KLB increased by 131% during 2025, leading the banking group.
• Total assets nearly doubled over five years to VND 103,000 billion.
• Net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.11% (top 3 in sector) and ROA at 1.79% (top 4).
• Non-performing loan ratio remained below 2%.
• For 2026, the bank targets pre-tax profit approaching VND 3,000 billion and plans to raise charter capital to over VND 7,500 billion.

What Happened

According to the company’s reporting, KienlongBank (KLB) achieved a historic milestone in 2025, marking its 30th anniversary with a record pre-tax profit exceeding VND 2,323 billion. This performance represents a dramatic turnaround from the period before 2020, when the bank’s ROE was only 1.78%. The bank attributes this transformation to its ‘Digital First’ strategy implemented decisively since 2021, which involved a core operational overhaul beyond superficial digitization.

The bank stated that over 98% of its transactions are now conducted through digital channels, supported by its proprietary KiloBa AI system for personalization and operational optimization. This digital foundation, coupled with disciplined risk management keeping non-performing loans below 2%, directly benefited shareholders through a 60% dividend and a 131% stock price appreciation in 2025. The listing on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE) and completed capital increase in the past year were cited as enhancing liquidity and operational transparency.

Market Context

KienlongBank (KLB) trades on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE). The stock closed at VND 14 on April 10, 2026, up 1.07% with a volume of 505,000 shares. The reported 131% stock price increase for 2025 and the strong 2025 financial results provide fundamental support for recent price levels, positioning KLB as a notable performer within the Vietnamese banking sector, which has seen varied outcomes amid economic recovery and digitalization trends.

Strategic Significance

The news underscores KienlongBank’s strategic pivot from a traditional bank with low efficiency to a digitally-driven institution prioritizing shareholder value. The surge in ROE to 22.11% and top-tier NIM demonstrate that its deep operational restructuring and technology investment are translating into superior profitability metrics. For long-term investors, this validates the thesis that focused digital transformation in Vietnam’s banking sector can create sustainable competitive advantages and high returns on equity, moving beyond mere cost-cutting to revenue and efficiency gains.

What to Watch

• The 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) where the VND 3,000 billion pre-tax profit target and capital increase plan will be formally proposed.
• Quarterly earnings reports throughout 2026 to track progress toward the profit target and monitor asset quality metrics like the NPL ratio.
• Updates on the deployment and impact of the KiloBa AI system and further digital channel adoption rates.
• Regulatory filings related to the planned capital increase to over VND 7,500 billion.
• The announced dividend payout for 2026, which the bank anticipates could reach up to 29.5%.