Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced an interim dividend of ₦2.00 per ordinary share for the quarter ended 31 March 2026. This move signals a strong earnings recovery and a renewed focus on shareholder returns.
The Company reported a Profit After Tax of ₦10.39 billion in Q1 FY2026, marking a 48% increase compared to ₦7.03 billion in Q1 FY2025. Earnings per share also saw a rise, reaching ₦4.74 from ₦3.21 in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Revenue for the quarter grew by 4% to ₦122.77 billion. Operating profit remained resilient at ₦17.18 billion, despite facing margin pressures. A significant factor contributing to the bottom-line growth was the substantial decline in net finance costs, which fell to ₦1.43 billion from ₦7.72 billion in Q1 FY2025.
The interim dividend of ₦2.00 per share translates to a total payout of approximately ₦4.38 billion, based on 2.19 billion shares outstanding. The qualification date for this dividend is April 20, 2026.
This dividend declaration is a significant step in restoring consistent shareholder value distribution, following the Company’s strong performance in FY2025. Management has maintained a balanced approach between reinvestment and shareholder returns.
Commenting on the results, the Board Chairman, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), stated: “The Board is pleased to declare this interim dividend, which reflects both the quality of earnings achieved in Q1 FY2026 and our commitment to disciplined capital stewardship. A 48% growth in Profit After Tax is not accidental; it is the result of sustained governance oversight, strategic clarity, and the dedication of our management team and employees. As a Board, we remain firmly committed to rewarding our shareholders while ensuring that Guinness Nigeria is positioned for sustainable, long-term growth. This dividend is a statement of confidence in our business, our people, and the resilience of our strategy.”
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Girish Sharma, added: “Our capital allocation decisions remain grounded in disciplined execution, financial prudence and a clear focus on long-term value creation. The interim dividend reflects the outcome of improved operational efficiency and a measured approach to capital deployment, while maintaining balance sheet strength and performance stability.”
