……Solid Start to 2024, UBA Consolidates Gains as Gross Earnings Rise by 110%, Profit for [Quarter] Hits N156bn – delivering a YoY growth of 165%

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has once again demonstrated its strong performance with remarkable growth across key financial indicators in the first quarter of 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, UBA’s financial results for Q1 2024 showed substantial increases in gross earnings, interest income, operating income, profit before tax, and profit after tax.

Gross Earnings surged by an impressive 110%, reaching N570.2 billion, while Interest Income grew by 130% to N440.7 billion. Operating Income also increased significantly by 115% to N378.59 billion. These figures underscore UBA’s robust growth trajectory and its ability to generate substantial revenues.

Profit Before Tax saw a remarkable rise of 155%, from N61.7 billion in Q1 2023 to N156.34 billion in Q1 2024. Similarly, Profit After Tax experienced a substantial increase of 165%, soaring from N53.5 billion to N142.5 billion year-on-year. These outstanding profit figures reflect UBA’s effective execution of its strategic initiatives and its commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

According to Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s Group Managing Director, the strong performance in Q1 2024 builds on the momentum of the previous year and is a testament to the Group’s customer-centric approach, geographic diversification, and robust risk management practices.

The growth in gross earnings was supported by strong interest and non-interest income, with fees and commissions rising by 118% year-on-year. Alawuba emphasized the importance of digital adoption and improved efficiencies in driving customer satisfaction and operational excellence, maintaining the Group’s cost-to-income ratio at 57.8%.

Ugo Nwaghodoh, UBA’s Executive Director, Finance and Risk, highlighted the Group’s relentless focus on customer satisfaction and its successful geographic and product diversification strategies. He stressed the importance of maintaining high-quality risk-adjusted revenues and cost discipline while improving asset quality.

UBA’s balance sheet showed steady growth, with total assets increasing by 23% to N25.4 trillion, and customer deposits reaching N18.4 trillion, a 23% increase year-on-year. This growth was largely driven by increases in current and savings accounts, reflecting the Group’s continued ability to attract and retain customers.

With a presence in over 20 African countries and across 4 continents, UBA is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic development across its network. Through its retail, commercial, and corporate banking services, as well as innovative cross-border payments and trade finance solutions, UBA remains committed to connecting people and businesses across Africa and beyond.