By Richard Benjamin
The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has approved an interim dividend of N1 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, following a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026.
The company disclosed this on Monday, July 20, in a statement issued in Lagos, describing the payout as its first interim dividend and a reflection of confidence in the sustainability of its earnings.
The interim dividend represents 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year.
CSCS said its operating income rose by 92 per cent to N18.51 billion, driven by higher transaction fee income, growth in depository services, increased collateral management revenue and stronger contributions from data and technology-enabled services.
The company added that investment income also increased as it continued to optimise its investment portfolio.
It said operating expenses grew by only 38 per cent despite the significant increase in operating income, resulting in a 186 per cent rise in operating profit to N10.11 billion.
CSCS reported that profit before tax increased by 115 per cent to N13.21 billion, while earnings per share rose from 109.1 kobo in the corresponding period of 2025 to 190.1 kobo.
The company said its cost-to-income ratio improved to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent in the first half of 2025, while its operating profit margin increased to 54.6 per cent from 36.8 per cent.
It attributed the performance to stronger market activity, improved operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and the scalability of its business model.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman of CSCS Plc, Mr Temi Popoola, said the interim dividend reflected the board’s confidence in the company’s financial strength, quality of earnings and long-term strategic direction.
Popoola said the performance was driven by stronger market activity, sustained operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and continued diversification of revenue streams.
He added that the board remained committed to balancing shareholder returns with investments in technology, innovation, resilience and new growth opportunities.
The Managing Director of CSCS Plc, Mr Shehu Shantali, said the company’s first-half performance underscored the resilience of its business model, the dedication of its workforce and the confidence of market participants.
Shantali said the company would continue to strengthen its core market infrastructure, invest in technology and innovation, broaden its revenue streams and enhance value for stakeholders.
He expressed confidence that the company’s strategic priorities would sustain its growth trajectory and support the continued development of Nigeria’s capital market.
