Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) Plc announced an interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, following a record first-half performance. This strong showing was driven by robust market activity, improved operating leverage, and higher contributions from its investee companies.

The unaudited results, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, show revenue of N17.60 billion in H1 2026, marking an 118% increase from N8.08 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Total income grew 96% to N19.34 billion.

Profit before tax rose 170% to N14.76 billion, from N5.46 billion in H1 2025, while profit after tax climbed 146% to N10.36 billion, compared with N4.22 billion in the prior-year period.

The proposed interim dividend of N1.30 (one naira thirty kobo) per ordinary share of 50kobo each is subject to appropriate withholding tax. The Register of Members will be closed on July 30, and only investors holding shares as of July 29, 2026, are qualified to receive the dividend on August 5, 2026.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, stated, “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.”

Mr. Temi Popoola, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, added that the first-half results demonstrate the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model. He emphasized the Group’s focus on deepening market liquidity, expanding investor participation, accelerating technology-enabled products, and building a more diversified financial market infrastructure group.

NGX Group’s revenue growth was primarily driven by a surge in market activity, with transaction fees rising 169% to N13.34 billion from N4.96 billion. This underscores the impact of sustained rally and heavier trading volumes on the Nigerian Exchange through the first half of the year.

Listing fees rose 59% to N2.38 billion, reflecting increased new listings and capital-raising activity on the bourse, while technology income grew a more modest 19% to N447.86 million. Operating profit increased 155% to N10.62 billion, indicating strong operating leverage as income growth significantly outpaced the rise in operating expenses.

The Group’s 130% increase in share of profit from equity-accounted investments to N4.14 billion was primarily driven by the strong performance of Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS). This highlights the growing importance of NGX Group’s investment portfolio to overall earnings, with transaction fees alone accounting for approximately 76% of total revenue.

NGX Group’s balance sheet strengthened during the period under review, with total assets rising to N75.87 billion in H1 2026 from N71.05 billion at the end of 2025. This was mainly driven by N34.64 billion in investments in associates and N24.42 billion in long-term investment securities.

The Group maintained a moderate liquidity position, with N9.34 billion in cash and short-term investment securities against N13.07 billion in current liabilities. Total liabilities stood at N15.38 billion, largely comprising current obligations, while non-current liabilities remained modest at N2.31 billion.

Shareholders’ equity increased to N60.49 billion from N55.20 billion, accounting for about 80% of total assets. This reflects a strong capital base, low leverage, and solid financial stability.

The first-half performance reflects the broader boom in Nigerian equities trading, with the Group’s fortunes rising in tandem with record activity levels on the Exchange it operates. The 170% jump in pre-tax profit significantly outpaced the 118% growth in revenue, pointing to improved cost efficiency and operating leverage.

CSCS’s stronger contribution to the Group’s equity-accounted income suggests that the sweeping overhaul of its fee structure in 2026 is increasingly paying off as a secondary earnings driver beyond core exchange operations. The Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend signals confidence in the sustainability of the current earnings trajectory, even as the Group continues to invest in technology and market development.