Declares 25 kobo dividend per 50 kobo share Business fundamentals strengthened despite Covid-19 impact

March 18, 2021: Union Bank has released its audited financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2020. The Bank’s results for the period show sustained growth in key income lines and significantly improved fundamentals notwithstanding a constrained operating environment largely due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Union Bank’s investments in technology and building a progressive work culture over the past eight years enabled a swift response to the pandemic that allowed our workforce to transition to remote working while maintaining the productivity required to deliver this strong set of results in 2020.

Bank Financial Highlights:

- Profit before tax: up 2.8% to N25.4bn (N24.7bn in FY 2019).

- Profit After-tax: up 1.2% to N24.7bn (N24.4bn in FY 2019).

- Gross earnings: down 1.9% to N156.9bn (N159.9bn in FY 2019).

- Net operating income after impairments: up 8.3% to N103.4bn (N95.5bn in FY 2019).

- Net interest income before impairment: up 10.1% to N56.9bn (N51.7bn in FY 2019) due to reduced interest expenses.

- Non-interest income: up 1.6% to N44bn (N43.3bn in 2019) driven by growth in net trading income as well as revaluation gains.

- Operating expenses: up 10% to N78bn (N70.8bn in FY 2019) due to an increase in regulatory and technology expenses.

- Gross loans: up 23.8% to N736.7bn (N595.3bn in FY 2019) driven by targeted lending to key sectors of the economy.

- Customer deposits: up 27.6% to N1,131.1bn (N886.3bn in FY 2019) reflecting our agility in delivering a compelling range of products to our customers during the pandemic and increased adoption of our digital channels.

- Non-performing loans ratio: down to 4% from 5.8% (FY 2019) driven by a disciplined recoveries strategy (N7.2bn in 2020), a more robust loan book and key restructurings to support customers during the pandemic.

Key Operational Highlights:

Channels: Active users on our digital platforms grew 1.3x. During the year, we added new features such as end-to-end account opening and enhanced card services including home delivery of cards boosting revenues from digital channels by 1.5x.

Agent Network Expansion: We expanded our UnionDirect network to over 18,000, representing a 6x increase. Transaction volume and value grew 10x and 12x respectively delivering 14x revenue growth.

Enhanced Retail and Digital Offerings: We relaunched UnionVibe, UnionLegend and UnionInfinity, a suite of products targeting the key youth and teen demographic; and disbursed over N9.4bn loans with new credit propositions.

Systems Upgrade – We upgraded our core systems to support our growth aspirations while strengthening the performance, reliability, security and
processing capacity of our platforms. With this upgrade, we are now in a position to process at least 10x the volume of transactions for 2020.
Funding: We secured both local and foreign currency funding to support growth across our priority areas. Union Bank raised:

―₦35bn commercial paper issuance. The 180 and 270-day notes were oversubscribed, reaffirming market confidence in our brand

―$200m 10-year funding from U.S International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

―$75m Pandemic Trade Mitigation funding from Afrexim

―$30m working capital funding from IFC

―Employees: The Bank was the first in the industry to implement remote working for its employees in March 2020. With over 70% of our workforce operating remotely at the height of the pandemic, we introduced resources to maintain and enhance the physical and mental health of our colleagues.

―Customers: We deepened our engagement via digital platforms and reinforced our channels to enable self-service. Supported by the Central Bank, we also offered restructuring of loan terms for businesses affected by the outbreak of Covid-19 in key sectors of the economy. At our branches, heightened hygiene & social distancing guidelines were put in place.

―Community: We donated over ₦350m towards the fight against Covid-19. These included donations to the Private Sector Coalition against Covid-19 (CACOVID); 54gene to support testing and research, working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); and the Lagos State COVID-19 Emergency Food Response programme to support families affected by the pandemic.

―Business continuity: Operationally, the bank adapted as lockdowns and movement restrictions evolved during the year. We designed a working model that ensured operational efficiency while maintaining adequate contingencies that guaranteed business continuity should newly identify operational risks crystallize.

―Managing liquidity and credit risks: We focused on raising long term liabilities in local and foreign currencies. We also deepened our focus on essential sectors during the pandemic and enhanced portfolio diversity. With the ongoing review of our credit portfolio and stress testing, we focused on

COVID-19 Response: The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 cannot be understated. In response, the Bank constituted a CEO-led task force in February and adopted a proactive approach to ensure the health and safety of key stakeholders and to mitigate the negative impact on our business.

UBUK Update: In January 2020, Union Bank announced its divestment from its UK subsidiary to focus solely on Nigeria and the distinct long-term opportunities that the market presents. In Q4 2020, we obtained a “no-objection” clearance by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the divestment is ongoing.

Dividend Payment: For the second year running, the Bank is proposing a dividend payment and returning value to shareholders. Union Bank’s ability to deliver a strong performance in the face of an economically debilitating pandemic speaks to the resilience and long-term fundamentals of the Bank. Subject to shareholders’ approval, a dividend of 25 kobo per 50 kobo share is being proposed.

Management Update: In December 2020, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Emuwa announced his retirement effective March 31, 2021. Following a successful search process, the Board has appointed Emeka Okonkwo, an Executive Director currently leading the Bank’s Corporate Banking business, to succeed him. Emeka Emuwa served as CEO for eight years and led the Bank’s transformation and repositioning as a key player in the Nigerian financial space. Promoting asset quality with solid risk management structures while leveraging CBN’s forbearance opportunities.

Brand & Citizenship: Through our initiatives, we impacted over 3 million people in 2020. We continued our support for the education sector impacting teachers, students and parents, through our Edu360 platform; deepened our investments in women/girl empowerment initiatives via vocational, digital and leadership training; continued our social innovation drive, and supported community development via the “gift of water” and supply of food to the underprivileged.

Key partnerships in this area in 2020 include MamaMoni, Pearls Africa, Awarri, LEAP Africa, Cece Yara Foundation, Junior Achievement Nigeria, GiveFood.ng Initiative, etc.

Commenting on the results, Emeka Emuwa, CEO said:

“The Bank has delivered a strong set of results notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 on our operations and the wider economy, enabling the Board of Directors to continue to return value to shareholders with a proposed dividend payment for the second year in a row. This demonstrates the strong foundations we have built, as we continue to deliver against our target of becoming a leading financial institution in Nigeria.

For the full year, we grew across key income lines. Net income after impairments grew 8.3% from ₦95.5bn to ₦103.4bn and translated into 2.8% growth in Profit Before Tax to ₦25.4bn from ₦24.7bn.

The core of this performance is driven by the growth in our loan book, with a 23.8% increase in gross loans, to ₦736.7bn from ₦595.3bn in 2019.

The pandemic accelerated trends in customer behaviour and we have seen a rapid increase in digital adoption with a 38% YOY increase in active users on our UnionMobile channel with total active users now at 2.9 million. Our UnionOne and Union360 platforms for businesses grew by 11% from 25,000 users to 27,700 users. 94% of transactions in the Bank are now done digitally, up from 89% in 2019.

We also aggressively grew UnionDirect (our agent network) by 6x from 3,100 to 18,100 in line with our focus on our retail business. With our investments yielding positive results, we are well-positioned as a strong leader in the retail and digital space.

In 2021, the Bank will focus on enhancing revenues and shareholder value by revving up customer acquisition, engagement and transactions through seamless customer journeys and an optimized service delivery platform.

As I retire following eight years of rebuilding and repositioning this storied institution, I am convinced that with the excellent management team and a clear strategy in place, Union Bank is well-positioned to continue to compete and deliver value to its shareholders.

Speaking on the FY 2020 numbers, Chief Financial Officer, Joe Mbulu said:

“We are pleased with both our top and bottom-line performance in 2020, in light of the impact of the pandemic and economic challenges. Significant inflationary pressures and the translation of currency depreciation drove growth in our cost base, however, we maintained strong control, limiting operating expense increase to 10% (₦77.9bn from ₦70.8bn), well below the rate of inflation. Consequently, we saw a marginal increase in our cost to income ratio to 75.4% from 74.1%.

Our customer deposits hit a milestone during the year, crossing the ₦1tr mark to ₦1,131.1bn from ₦886.3bn in FY 2019, an increase of 27.1%. Low-cost deposits were up by 17%, constituting 68% of total deposits helping to push the cost of funds down by 1.4%.

We continued to proactively manage our growing risk asset portfolio and recorded better asset quality, with our NPL ratio improving from 5.8% to 4.0%. This achievement, combined with solid capital adequacy at 17.5% and continued top-line growth, provides the platform for strong growth going forward.

We will continue to grow our loan portfolio in 2021, which we expect to be a significant driver of growth, combined with our value chain synergies across our business which will drive customer and transaction growth during the year and beyond.

Our UBUK subsidiary remains classified as “Available for Sale” as the sale process continues albeit delayed due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns”

https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/18/union-bank-reports-1-2-rise-in-profit-after-tax-to-%e2%82%a624-7bn-in-2020/

This is impressive to read. So why sell the bank?The news making the round is that the core investor, atlas Mara, is close to selling the bank.For freestuffs, visit www.freestuffsng.com

My bank that year. I remember that their stagger when APC Reverend Father lay him yeye course on the bank. Omo I use run go collect all my money finish.
That bank funny Sha. E get one branch wey I go. Na only one person dey the cashier block. She dey pay out. She they received and she still be the customer care service agent join

Mokason288:
My girlfriend calls me

Union Bank

Because I’m BIG STRONG RELIABLE

@the bolded,
Maybe it's because the shape of your mouth...... who knows?

My girlfriend calls me

Union Bank

Because I’m BIG STRONG RELIABLE

Vaughanlanrewaj:
This is impressive to read. So why sell the bank?

Cos they are struggling in the industry. Their full year profit is Zeniths and Access quarterly profit

#24 billion?!

And people keep thinking that bankers are not making money. This is even the profit after tax they declared.

Where they make real money is from illegal transactions and illegal funding of friends' business ideas and contracts.

This is impressive. But can we truly trust this data's. cos even in Yankee both enrol and Lehman brothers were audited by the so called big 4. But their data's were cooked.

I fear this data cos paying 25kobo for every 50k shares seems very aggressive to keep and woo investors. Kilode.

SmartPolician:
#24 billion?!

And people keep thinking that bankers are not making money. This is even the profit after tax they declared.

Where they make real money is from illegal transactions and illegal funding of friends' business ideas and contracts.

#24 billion na paltry money that bank cannot even loan to build a 1000mw plant.

In some countries the will be tagged microfinance scheme

dial *826# to enjoy several packages from a simpler, smarter bank

gnykelly:



#24 billion na paltry money that bank cannot even loan to build a 1000mw plant.

In some countries the will be tagged microfinance scheme

That's their profit after tax.

The capital they use in doing business (loans) is the money you and I have there.

So, they are two different things.

BUSHHUNTER:
The bank service is slightly below average... stopped using it since 2014

.. Maybe that was then. I can say they ve one of the best services now in the industry.. Some banks can not even offer customers seat while you que outside for hours before gaining entrance into the banking hall.

bubu bank

I have ten hours plus laptop powerbank for sale. Do you need one?

Part of this huge profit is from illegal deductions from customer's accounts. Official fraud in display

How won't they, Nigeria has become one of the most taxed country in the world.

To use ordinary bank USD u would pay big money, to use Atm u will pay big money, to use Pos u will pay big money, even to withdraw over the counter u will pay big money, to do even internet transfer you will pay big money. This is just bank alone, for a country where people still earn #10k per month.

Then u say u are doing business after all those charges from bank to move your goods from lagos to ph, u will settle over 100 police men, 50 customs officer, plus different state task force plus soldiers even FRSC.

Then after you waste all those expenses, you arrive your business no light, go and buy fuel expensive despite it being expensive, nepa go carry expensive nepa bill give u at the end of the month, government officials will see a business that earns 30k monthly and by taxing you 40k, it's not their concern how you will make the money.

Ontop all that you still have to secure yourself, pay community vigilantee contribute the grade your road.

Ontop that sth as basic as onions expensive, tomatoes expensive, rice expensive.

That country I no just understand whether them do us. They are asking y crime us high they won't see the handwriting on the wall

Not really. Our major investor who controls 49% of Union bank shares in their portfolio wants to liquidate their portfolio.

The bank is not up for sale...

Let's just say okay,at least for the sake of the employees but in actual fact,that bank........ Hmm,comments reserved !

Mind games.

What was the rate of inflation?

It was a drop in real PAT

impressive..

Ravon:

https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/18/union-bank-reports-1-2-rise-in-profit-after-tax-to-%e2%82%a624-7bn-in-2020/

....Great bank different from the banks who just declare audio profits....
what happened to Diamond bank naaaa.??
They kept the name for long unlike many changing names from this to that.

Why not charges too much

Ravon:

https://brandspurng.com/2021/03/18/union-bank-reports-1-2-rise-in-profit-after-tax-to-%e2%82%a624-7bn-in-2020/

Vaughanlanrewaj:
This is impressive to read. So why sell the bank?

I'll be honest, I did not read the full article. It's only the headline I focused on.

A 1.2% increase is actually a decrease in real terms as inflation rate was over 10%.

If looked in another way, this time using exchange rates, with the Naira losing more than 15% of its value, it also shows a decreased in real terms.

If however, measured with the economic pain the pandemic brought on the nation, and even the world, it can be termed a victory. With the economy growing again, shareholders may expect boisterous results.

Pls put into consideration i didn't read the article

grandstar:


I'll be honest, I did not read the full article. It's only the headline I focused on.

A 1.2% increase is actually a decrease in real terms as inflation rate was over 10%.

If looked in another way, this time using exchange rates, with the Naira losing more than 15% of its value, it also shows a decreased in real terms.

If however, measured with the economic pain the pandemic brought on the nation, and even the world, it can be termed a victory. With the economy growing again, shareholders may expect boisterous results.

Pls put into consideration i didn't read the article

at bolded. Thanks for your faithful judgement sir.

they should increase staff salary