5 key takeaways from UBA’s 2025 full year results

The year 2025 was a test of endurance for many global institutions, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc was no exception.

While the bank’s decision to declare no final dividend for the 2025 financial year might raise eyebrows among retail investors, a deeper dive into the numbers reveals a strategic reset designed to pave the way for a more explosive 2026.

Despite the temporary pause in dividend payouts, here are five things to know about UBA’s 2025 full-year performance.

1. Robust gross earnings of N3trn

UBA delivered a staggering **gross earnings of N3.09 trillion for the 2025 financial year. This performance underscores the bank’s ability to generate massive revenue even in a shifting macroeconomic environment.

2. Cleaning of material loan loss and fair value changes

Essentially, the bank has absorbed the pain of the past to protect the profits of the future by cleaning:

•Material Loan Loss Provisions: N331 billion
•Fair Value Changes on Derivatives: N227 billion

3. Fortified loan recovery strategy for 2026

UBA isn’t just writing off bad debt, it’s going after it. The bank plans to fortify its recovery team. So if you are in their bad books, noted that they will come aggressively for you this year.

4. Increased capital base

Following a successful rights issue, the bank’s share capital and premium now stand at N504 billion, contributing to total shareholders’ funds of N4.25 trillion.

With a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 23.2%, UBA is sitting well above regulatory requirements. This war chest provides the necessary cushion to absorb shocks and, more importantly, the fuel to fund significant growth in 2026.

5. Pan-African growth

While the Nigerian market remains the anchor, UBA’s Pan-African franchise is the secret sauce. The Group’s operations outside Nigeria now contribute over 50% of Group Assets, Revenue, and Profit.

Notably West Africa subsidiaries recorded a 53% profit growth in 2025 while East & Central Africa witnessed a 61% profit growth in 2025.

Outlook

With total assets already growing 9.4% to N33.2 trillion, the bank plans to aggressively grow its Risk Asset base in choice sectors as macroeconomic fundamentals strengthen.
Analysts and investors should keep a close eye on the N1 trillion growth target for risk assets this year. If the bank successfully converts its fortified capital into high-quality loans, the 2026 results could see a significant rebound in profitability and a likely return to the dividend-paying traditions shareholders have come to expect.