United Capital H1 2026 profit jumps 79.6% to N24.78bn, declares 30kobo dividend
United Capital Plc announced its H1 2026 results, posting a pre-tax profit of N24.777 billion - a 79.6% jump from N13.794 billion in the same period last year. Profit after tax rose 77.45% to N21.097 billion and basic earnings per share climbed 77.27% to 234 kobo from 132 kobo. The board declared an interim dividend of 30 kobo per 50-kobo ordinary share, with qualification set for Monday July 27 2026 and payment scheduled for Thursday July 30 2026.
Gross earnings rose to N37.49 billion (+57.79%), net investment income to N13.81 billion (+44.59%), fee and commission income to N14.28 billion (+25.78%), and net trading income surged to N4.96 billion (+1,082.96%). Borrowed funds fell by more than half to N185.88 billion, while cash and cash equivalents climbed 39.6% to N400.80 billion. Total assets slipped 6.72% to N1.64 trillion, but shareholders' funds grew to N187.09 billion.
For investors, the strong earnings and higher dividend signal a healthier return on shares and a stronger balance sheet. The sharp rise in trading income warrants watching whether it can be sustained, while the drop in debt and rise in cash lower financial risk. If you hold United Capital shares, note the July 27 qualification date and July 30 payment date; otherwise, consider how the improved cash position and lower leverage might affect the stock's outlook.