Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX) has reported its strongest half-year financial performance on record, posting triple-digit growth across key performance indicators and rewarding shareholders with an interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
The Group stated that the interim dividend reflects the strength and quality of its earnings, improved cash generation, and the Board’s confidence in the sustainability of its growth trajectory, while maintaining adequate capacity to fund investments in technology, market development, and strategic initiatives across the capital market ecosystem.
The unaudited results showed that revenue surged by 118 per cent to N17.60 billion in the first half of 2026 from N8.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. Total income also rose by 96 per cent to N19.34 billion.
The impressive performance was largely driven by heightened activity in the Nigerian capital market, with transaction fee income jumping by 169 per cent to N13.34 billion from N4.96 billion a year earlier.
Listing fee income increased by 59 per cent to N2.38 billion, while technology income grew by 19 per cent to N447.86 million.
Supported by the strong revenue growth, operating profit climbed by 155 per cent to N10.62 billion, compared with N4.16 billion recorded in the first half of 2025, highlighting the Group’s ability to translate higher income into improved profitability through operational efficiency.
NGX Group also benefited from stronger earnings from its investment portfolio, as its share of profit from equity-accounted investees rose by 130 per cent to N4.14 billion, largely driven by the strong financial performance of Central Securities Clearing System Plc.
Consequently, profit before tax increased by 170 per cent to N14.76 billion, up from N5.46 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, while profit after tax advanced by 146 per cent to N10.36 billion, compared with N4.22 billion recorded a year earlier.
The Group maintained a strong financial position, with total assets rising to N75.87 billion as at June 30, 2026, while shareholders’ equity grew to N60.49 billion, from N55.20 billion at the end of 2025.
Commenting on the results, Alhaji Dr Umaru Kwairangaup, Chairman of NGX Group, said the Board’s decision to approve an interim dividend demonstrates confidence in the Group’s long-term growth prospects.
According to him, the significant growth recorded across the business and the increasing contribution from companies within the Group’s investment portfolio underscore the success of its strategic direction.
“The Board’s approval of an interim dividend of N1.30 per share reflects the strength of NGX Group’s first-half performance and our confidence in the Group’s 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 delivering attractive returns to shareholders while continuing to invest in infrastructure, technology and strategic initiatives aimed at deepening Nigeria’s capital market and positioning the Group for sustainable long-term growth.
Also speaking on the results, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Temi Popoola, said the performance demonstrates the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model.
He attributed the robust earnings to stronger transaction volumes, increased listing activity and improved contributions from investee companies, noting that disciplined execution enabled the Group to convert revenue growth into significantly higher profitability.
“Our first-half results demonstrate the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model. Revenue growth was supported by significantly higher transaction activity, increased listing income and stronger contributions from our investee companies, while disciplined execution enabled us to translate this growth into substantially improved profitability,” Popoola said.
He added that the Group remains focused on sustaining the momentum by deepening market liquidity, expanding investor participation, accelerating technology-enabled products and building a more diversified financial market infrastructure group.
NGX Group said shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members on the applicable qualification date will be entitled to receive the interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share, adding that the qualification date, closure period and payment date will be announced in line with the approved corporate action timetable and relevant regulatory requirements.
