Business
UBA at 75: We have Demonstrated Remarkable Financial Strength and Resilience Amidst Economic Challenges – GMD.
UBA at 75: We have Demonstrated Remarkable Financial Strength and Resilience Amidst Economic Challenges – GMD.
United Bank for Africa’s share price can hit the N100 per share mark, according to Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director of the bank.
He made this statement in response to a question from the media at the world press conference celebrating the bank’s 75th anniversary, held at its headquarters in Lagos.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) is one of Nigeria’s oldest banks and the first to list on the NGX in 1978.
The management of the bank took questions from a cross-section of the media regarding the bank’s past, present and future across its several operations.
One question posed to UBA’s GMD/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, concerned the bank’s share price, which is considered undervalued despite its recent surge.
According to Oliver Alawuba, UBA represents the quintessential bank that investors are seeking. Over the past two years, our dividend yield has consistently exceeded 12%. UBA’s presence across 24 countries not only underscores our robust diversification of income streams but also highlights the unique investment proposition we offer.
When you invest in UBA shares, you are essentially gaining exposure to the economic potential of 24 different markets. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to communicate to Nigerian investors that UBA’s current share price is undervalued, presenting a substantial opportunity for those looking to invest in a bank with a truly global footprint. Oliver Alawuba
share price can hit N100 per share
At the press conference, GMD/CEO Oliver Alawuba was also asked if he could commit to achieving a share price target of N100 per share during his tenure at UBA.
In response, Alawuba confidently stated, “N100 is possible; here at UBA, we push the frontiers.”
The Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugochukwu Nwagodoh, also chimed in, making reference to the 237% growth in the bank’s share price over the last year.
He pointed to the revenue streams from the bank’s subsidiaries outside Nigeria as a sign of the bank’s potential for share price appreciation.
The market has recognized significant value in the share price and that is why the share price has recorded about 237% growth over the last year. UBA’s diversified business in itsself is a significant value and the reason is that even though there is a problem in one economy, you have revenue streams stillcoming in from other countries. And so that diversification provides that robustness in your earnings streams and this is what investors are able recognize and factor into the valuation of UBA. Ugochukwu Nwagodoh
UBA Plc’s share price was flat for almost a decade until the recent surge in 2023. Between 2019 and 2022, UBA’s share price averaged around N5 per share, despite profitability growth and declaring dividends. Despite the current share price of N21, the bank still trades at less than 50% of book value and 1x its price-to-earnings multiples.
Regarding the possible external listing of UBA in other capital markets outside Nigeria, Nwagodoh stated that the bank is continuously exploring ways to reach out to the investor community, reviewing options, and giving them consideration.
On the possible acquisition of a fintech, Nwagodoh stated that the bank will explore potential acquisitions and will not overlook any opportunity. He noted that the bank will not go on any acquisition sprees but will only target businesses that “add value” to the bank. He also mentioned that UBA currently offers most of the services provided by fintech companies.
Concerning the need for the bank to improve its capital importation numbers, it was stated that UBA is working on improving this aspect of their business. In 2023, UBA saw a surge in profits due to the foreign exchange balance on their balance sheet. Nwagodoh explained that banks have around 30–40% of their balance sheets made up of foreign currency components.
Nwagodoh stated that the profits were “one-off” and that they do not expect to see such a “jumbo windfall” happening again.
UBA Nigeria Plc, one of Nigeria’s oldest and largest banks, reported its audited accounts for 2023, revealing gross earnings of N2 trillion, a significant increase from N835 billion just a year earlier.
This achievement marks the bank’s highest gross earnings on record and ranks as one of the highest in the banking sector for 2023.
Following the top-line performance, the bank announced a profit after tax of N607.696 billion in 2023, which represents a 257% surge from N170.277 billion in 2022.UBA released its unaudited financial results for Q1 2024, showing pre-tax profit grew by 154.74% year-on-year to 156.344 billion.
Business
Diaspora Nigerians to Obtain BVN by Year-End- Cardoso
Naijanewsngr- Nigerians living in the diaspora will soon have the opportunity to acquire Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) before the end of the year, according to Yemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
During a meeting with the Nigerian community in Washington, D.C., Cardoso announced that the initiative will be managed by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). He emphasized that the BVN project will not only improve financial inclusion for diaspora Nigerians but will also bolster remittances sent back home. This strategic move aligns with the CBN’s broader goal of enhancing financial services for Nigerians globally, making it easier for them to maintain financial ties with Nigeria.
In his address, Cardoso stated, “As far as we are concerned, it is totally unacceptable that you should be out here and be having hassles in operating your accounts or doing business in your original country.” His remarks underscored the importance of ensuring that diaspora Nigerians can access and operate their Nigerian accounts without undue complications.
This initiative is expected to significantly impact diaspora remittances, a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria. With a streamlined process in place, Nigerians abroad will be able to remit funds more easily, contributing to the nation’s economy. The BVN registration will allow for more secure and efficient financial transactions, while also opening doors for diaspora Nigerians to invest more actively in Nigeria.
In a separate meeting with international investors, Cardoso discussed the recent monetary policy reforms in Nigeria. He urged investors to explore the opportunities within the Nigerian market, highlighting the favorable economic climate for foreign investment. This call to action aims to attract international capital into the country, further driving economic growth.
By rolling out the BVN to Nigerians abroad, the CBN seeks to ensure that all citizens, regardless of location, can engage meaningfully with Nigeria’s financial system, strengthening the overall economy.
Business
Abbey Mortgage Bank Excites Customers with Abuja Roadshow
Naijanewsngr– Abbey Mortgage Bank, a leading institution in the mortgage sector, has made significant strides with its groundbreaking roadshow tagged “Abbey Sales Storm” held at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The “Abbey Sales Storm” is aimed at bringing the financial and real estate opportunities to residents of the Federal Capital Territory and sharing valuable information on how it can be achieved with the Abbey Mortgage Banking investment.
The exciting roadshow which kicked off on Thursday, October 17, 2024 made stops at different locations in Abuja including popular spots like UTC and Barnex with Sales reps and activation agents distributing flyers and engaging with prospective clients about its products and service offerings.
Speaking during the roadshow organized by the bank, The Group Head of Retail Sales and E-Business, Abbey Mortgage Bank, Felix Omodayo-Owotuga, noted that “It was a good turnout. We’re thrilled to have finally made a buzz here in Abuja. Our goal is to bring greater awareness to what Abbey has to offer, and today’s roadshow is a big step in that direction.”
Owotuga further noted;
“Abbey Mortgage Bank has a strong presence in Abuja, with branches in key locations including Baze University and Area 11, making it easier for residents to access their trusted mortgage and financial services.
“Abbey continues to lead the industry as an innovator in the Nigerian mortgage sector, not just offering mortgage services but also retail & investment banking solutions, positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for all domestic banking needs.” He added.
Abbey Mortgage Bank recently celebrated the annual Customer Service Week, with daily themed dress codes; ranging from dressing in attires to highlight the bank’s signature corporate navy blue colour, to a fun day in which staff ‘twinned’ outfits and Abbey-branded T-shirts. These activities underscore Abbey’s commitment not only to excellent customer service but also to fostering a positive and engaging work environment.
As Abbey continues to expand its footprint in the Nigerian finance sector, the bank remains dedicated to offering top-tier services in the mortgage space and beyond.
Business
Access Holdings Plc Extend Rights Issue Acceptance Period To August 23, 2024
Access Holdings Plc Extend Rights Issue Acceptance Period To August 23, 2024…
Access Holdings Plc (“the Group”) has announced an extension of the acceptance period for its ongoing Rights Issue. Initially set to close on August 14, 2024, the period has now been extended to August 23, 2024, following the approval of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).
The statement, signed by the Group’s Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, confirmed that, “The decision is in response to the recent nationwide protest that disrupted operations of businesses and individuals across Nigeria and to provide shareholders with ample opportunity to subscribe to their rights.
“During the extended period of the Issue, dealings by the Company’s insiders on the Company’s shares will continue to be strictly limited to participation in the Rights Issue as earlier approved by the Exchange in respect of the Non-Dealing Period on the Company’s Audited Interim Financial Statements for the Period Ended June 30, 2024, until 24 hours after the publication of the Interim Financial Statements.”
For further inquiries or additional information regarding the Rights Issue, shareholders and prospective investors are encouraged to contact Access Holdings’ Investor Relations team at Investor.Relations@theaccesscorporation.com.
Access Holdings Plc
Access Holdings Plc is a leading multinational financial services group that offers commercial banking, lending, payment, insurance, and asset management services. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Access Holdings operates through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 22 countries, and 60+ million customers.
Access transitioned into a holding company to drive rapid growth and become a full-scale ecosystem player offering interconnected services across customer needs. Established in 2022, Access Holdings Plc consists of the Access Bank Group; Access Pensions; a Payment and Switching Services Company; a Digital Lending Company, and an Insurance Brokerage Company.
The banking vertical serves its various markets through four business segments: Retail, Business, Commercial and Corporate, and has enjoyed what is it arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last eighteen years, becoming one of Africa’s largest retail banks by customer base and Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bank by total assets.
Access Holdings strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
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