By MIKE ABBAH
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced the submission of an application to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for the approval and listing of a rights issue totalling 6,839,884,274 ordinary shares (six billion, eight hundred and thirty-nine million, eight hundred and eighty-four thousand, two hundred and seventy-four).
This announcement follows the bank’s Q3 2024 financial report, which showed a 101.88% year-on-year rise in pre-tax profit to N194 billion and a nine-month total of N603.4 billion, reflecting steady financial growth.
The rights issue, filed through UBA’s stockbroker, United Capital Securities Limited, proposes ordinary shares priced at N35.00 each, with a nominal value of 50 kobo per share.
Structured on the basis of one new share for every existing share held, the offer is applicable to shareholders as of the qualification date, November 5, 2024.
This was confirmed in a statement signed by Godstime Iwenekhai, Head of the Issuer Regulation Department, noting that the application is now awaiting NGX’s review and approval.
UBA reported notable growth in Q3 2024, driven by improvements in revenue and profitability, with interest income accounting for 77% of gross earnings.
Despite a 19% decline in Q3, interest income from loans and advances to customers contributed 40.4% of total interest income for the quarter and 37% over the nine-month period.
In contrast, interest income from investments in securities rose, contributing 35% in Q3 and 42% cumulatively over the first nine months, driven by strong performance in the first half of the year.
The report showed a 101.88% year-on-year rise in pre-tax profit to N194 billion, with a nine-month total of N603.4 billion, reflecting steady financial growth.
Analysts opined that UBA’s rights issue represents a step toward enhancing its capital position while positioning itself for potential future growth.
UBA’s stock performance in 2024 has reflected both market conditions and investor sentiment.
Starting the year at N25.65, the stock faced early declines before regaining a bullish trend.
By September, UBA shares climbed to N28.30, and in October, the stock crossed N29, buoyed by increased trading activity.
The rally continued into November, with the share price surpassing N35 on November 5, highlighting renewed investor interest in the bank’s stock.
