UOB‐Kay Hian Holdings booked a net profit of S$239.4 million for the year ended 31 Dec 2025, up 7.0 per cent year-on-year, as buoyant market volumes lifted commission and trading income and offset higher operating costs.
The securities house posted revenue of S$763.5 million, a 13.9 per cent increase from S$670.3 million a year earlier. Earnings per share improved to 25.06 Singapore cents from 24.42 cents. The board has proposed a first and final one-tier tax-exempt dividend of 12.3 cents a share, exceeding last year’s 11.9-cent payout. Subject to shareholder approval at the 29 Apr 2026 AGM, the dividend will be paid on 26 May 2026, with the books closing at 5 p.m. on 8 May 2026.
Group commission and trading revenue surged 28.0 per cent to S$471.9 million, underpinned by higher structured-product commissions and improved market turnover in Singapore, Hong Kong and the United States. Interest income held broadly steady at S$245.5 million, while other operating income edged up to S$46.0 million.
By geography, Singapore remained the largest profit contributor with pre-tax earnings of S$157.5 million, followed by Hong Kong at S$90.2 million. Malaysia generated S$20.5 million, whereas Thailand recorded a marginal S$0.5 million profit after a goodwill impairment a year earlier. Group net asset value stood at S$2.29 billion as at end-December, up from S$2.13 billion a year ago.
Cost pressures persisted. Commission expenses rose 31.9 per cent to S$114.7 million, mirroring higher business volume, while staff costs climbed 17.6 per cent to S$249.6 million. Finance expenses grew 5.3 per cent to S$40.6 million on increased funding needs. Other operating expenses fell 13.2 per cent to S$91.7 million, reflecting the absence of last year’s goodwill write-off and lower impairment charges on receivables.
UOB-Kay Hian said market activity should continue to hinge on global interest-rate trends, geopolitical developments and investor risk appetite. It expects competitive pressures and digitalisation to influence brokerage fee levels, but management remains “cautiously optimistic” for the next 12 months given encouraging trading conditions in Singapore and Hong Kong.