Nigerian Exchange Group Plc has declared an interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share for the first half of 2026, rewarding shareholders after a blockbuster performance in the six-month period. With 2,618,821,224 shares in issue, the payout will total N3.4 billion.
The stock closed last week at N148, hovering near its 52-week peak of N175.3 and well above its low of N38.33. The dividend underscores the quality of earnings the group generated and its board's belief in sustainable growth ahead.
Revenue surged to N17.60 billion in the first half, more than doubling from N8.08 billion a year earlier, an 118 percent jump. Total income climbed 96 percent to N19.34 billion.
Transaction fees powered the growth, rocketing 169 percent to N13.34 billion from N4.96 billion. Listing fees added to the gains, rising 59 percent to N2.38 billion, while technology income edged up 19 percent to N447.86 million.
Operating profit jumped 155 percent to N10.62 billion compared with N4.16 billion in the same period last year. The group showed strong operating leverage, with income growth far outpacing the rise in operating costs.
The group's share of profit from equity-accounted investees surged 130 percent to N4.14 billion, led primarily by the robust showing of Central Securities Clearing System Plc. Profit before tax climbed 170 percent to N14.76 billion from N5.46 billion, while profit after tax rose 146 percent to N10.36 billion from N4.22 billion.
The balance sheet strengthened considerably, with total assets reaching N75.87 billion as at June 30, 2026. Shareholders' equity climbed to N60.49 billion from N55.20 billion at year-end 2025.
Umaru Kwairanga, group chairman, said the board's approval of the interim dividend reflected the strength of first-half performance and confidence in long-term prospects. "We are encouraged by the significant growth recorded across the business and by the increasing contribution of companies within the group's investment portfolio," he said.
Kwairanga added that the board remains committed to balancing attractive shareholder returns with continued investment in infrastructure, technology and strategic initiatives. "This will deepen Nigeria's capital market and position NGX Group for sustainable growth," he noted.
Temi Popoola, group managing director and chief executive officer, said the results demonstrated the strength and scalability of the business model. Revenue growth was backed by significantly higher transaction activity, increased listing income and stronger contributions from investee companies, he told reporters.
"Disciplined execution enabled us to translate this growth into substantially improved profitability," Popoola said. The group intends to sustain momentum by deepening market liquidity, expanding investor participation and accelerating development of technology-enabled products.
