Cost Discipline, Revenue Growth Lift United Capital Profitability

Shareholders of United Capital Plc have approved a total dividend payout of N18bn for the 2025 financial year, following a performance that saw the group deliver strong growth in profit and revenue despite a challenging operating environment.

The approval was granted at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja on Friday, where shareholders endorsed a final dividend of N0.70 per share. This brings the total dividend for the year to N1.00 per share, representing a 25 per cent increase compared with the N14.4bn distributed in 2024.

The dividend declaration was supported by a robust financial performance, with profit after tax rising by 17 per cent to N28.15bn in 2025, up from the previous year.

Revenue also grew significantly by 35 per cent to N58.55bn, driven largely by a surge in trading income and increased fee-based earnings across the group’s business lines.

Further details presented at the AGM showed that profit before tax climbed by 37 per cent to N41.18bn, while total comprehensive income stood at N30.97 billion, reflecting both strong top-line expansion and effective cost management strategies.

A key highlight of the financial year was the profitability recorded across all seven of the group’s subsidiaries, underscoring the strength and diversification of its business model.

The subsidiaries, spanning asset management, trusteeship, securities trading, investment banking, wealth management, microfinance banking, and consumer finance, each contributed positively to the group’s overall performance.

Speaking at the meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, described 2025 as a defining year for the organisation, noting that the results reflect years of strategic investment and disciplined execution.

He said the group’s ability to grow earnings and maintain profitability across all business segments in a period marked by macroeconomic headwinds demonstrates its resilience and long-term positioning within Nigeria’s financial services industry.

The performance comes against the backdrop of elevated interest rates, currency volatility, and evolving regulatory requirements, which have continued to shape the operating landscape for financial institutions.

Despite these pressures, United Capital sustained growth momentum, strengthened its capital base, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Market observers say the company’s consistent earnings growth and increased dividend payout signal strong underlying fundamentals and a commitment to delivering shareholder value.

Looking ahead, the group indicated that it will focus on accelerating its Pan-African expansion strategy, deepening digital capabilities, and scaling its assets under management across wealth and asset management platforms.
With strengthened financials and profitability entrenched across its subsidiaries, United Capital is positioning itself for sustained growth as it seeks to consolidate its role in Nigeria’s capital markets and expand its footprint across Africa.