Nigeria: United Capital's Profit Rises Amidst Boost in Investment Income

Net trading income leapt to N1.5 billion from N632 million a year earlier, an indication that more returns are pouring in from the group's investment in financial securities.

United Capital Plc's net profit for the three months to March increased 64.3 per cent compared to the figure reported a year earlier, with higher income from its asset management business driving the surge.

Investment income, largely comprised of the earnings from the funds managed by that subsidiary, advanced nearly six times to N6.4 billion, contributing more to turnover than other revenue streams.

Gross earnings rose 113.5 per cent to N13.1 billion, according to the company's latest earnings report.

United Capital was the investment banking unit of UBA until it was carved out into a separate entity in 2014 after the Central Bank of Nigeria ordered the abolition of universal banking.

The group operates subsidiaries in investment banking, trusteeship, wealth management, micro-lending and consumer finance under a holding company structure.

Fees and commission income, during the review period, grew 72.7 per cent to N4.5 billion on account of a boost in management, brokerage and trustee fees.

Net trading income leapt to N1.5 billion from N632 million a year earlier, an indication that more returns are pouring in from the group's investment in financial securities.

"These results highlight the strength of our business model, effective execution of our transformative and purpose-driven strategy," said Peter Ashade, the chief executive officer, in a statement on Tuesday.

"Going into the remaining quarters of the year, we are confident that through the diligent execution of our well-thought-out strategies, we are on track to attain new heights," he added.

Other income, which took a hit from an exchange loss of N386.8 million, dropped almost four-fifths to N288.3 million.

Net profit margin, a mark of companies' capacity to turn revenue into profit, slid to 45 per cent from 58.4 per cent.

Profit before tax jumped to N6.7 billion from N4.1 billion, while profit for the period stood at N5.9 billion, rising from N3.6 billion.

Read the original article on Premium Times.