UBS: Q4 profit exceeds expectations, announces $3 billion buyback plan for 2026

Glonghui, February 4th｜UBS Group's fourth-quarter profit exceeded expectations, and the company also announced a $3 billion stock buyback plan to be implemented in 2026, stating that there is potential for further increases in the future. Net profit for the quarter was $1.2 billion, higher than the previous estimate of $967 million. However, client inflows in its core Global Wealth Management division plummeted to $8.5 billion, far below the estimated $27.4 billion, and pre-tax profit also fell short of expectations. Traders and dealmakers in the investment banking division outperformed expectations, driving pre-tax income up to $640 million. On the regulatory front, UBS is seeking to weaken a Swiss government plan that would introduce new rules requiring its domestic business to be ring-fenced from potential overseas losses. This lobbying effort has recently gained some support from center-right politicians, but the government’s legislative draft prepared this year will be crucial. According to foreign media reports last month, the Swiss government expects UBS will eventually be forced to accept most of its requirements.