United Capital declares N18bn dividend as profit surges 16% in 2025

By: Amarachi Okonkwo

United Capital Plc has approved a total dividend payout of N18 billion for the 2025 financial year, reinforcing strong shareholder returns amid broad-based earnings growth.

The approval was confirmed at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, where directors, shareholders, and staff reviewed the Group’s full-year performance.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, said shareholders will receive a total dividend of N1.00 per share, representing an N18 billion payout, up 25 per cent from N14.4 billion in 2024.

According to him, the payout includes a final dividend of N0.70 per share (N12.6 billion), following an interim dividend earlier in the year.

He said the decision reflects the Group’s continued focus on enhancing shareholder value despite a volatile macroeconomic environment.

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United Capital recorded solid growth across major financial indicators. Revenue rose to N58.54 billion, representing a 34.81 per cent year-on-year increase, while gross earnings stood at N58.55 billion, up by the same margin. Operating profit climbed to N39.31 billion, reflecting a 43.08 per cent increase, and pre-tax profit reached N41.18 billion, up 36.81 per cent. Profit after tax grew to N28.14 billion, representing a 16.78 per cent rise, while earnings per share increased to N1.56, up 16.42 per cent. Total assets also expanded to N1.76 trillion, a 3.51 per cent increase.

The Group said its performance was supported by diversified income streams and stronger activity across its core businesses.

A major contributor to revenue growth was fee and commission income, which rose sharply to N23.25 billion from N14.58 billion. Management fees accounted for N10.7 billion, while financial advisory fees contributed N4.9 billion. Brokerage fees stood at N4.8 billion, and trustee fees came in at N1.4 billion.

Investment-related earnings also strengthened performance, with net investment income rising to N12.6 billion and net trading income reaching N17.6 billion. This lifted net operating income to N53.5 billion, representing a 46.44 per cent increase year-on-year.

Chairman of the Group, Uche Ike, said financial markets locally and globally will continue to require strong investment banking and asset management institutions.

He noted that despite market volatility, the Group sees significant opportunities ahead, stressing that risk management remains central to its strategy.

“We cannot take away risks; in fact, the easiest way to shut down a business is to say there should be no risks,” he said.

He added that the company’s approach is focused on identifying risks early, assessing their likelihood, and putting mitigation systems in place through strong governance, skilled personnel, and continuous monitoring.

Shareholders at the AGM expressed satisfaction with the dividend performance. One investor, Mrs. Bisi Bakare, noted that despite an increase in share capital, the company still maintained a total dividend payout of N1 per share for the year.

United Capital said it remains positioned for continued growth, citing resilience in its diversified business model and ongoing investment in talent, governance, and risk management systems.

The Group expects to sustain momentum into the next financial period as it expands across asset management, investment banking, and other financial services segments.