Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc has declared a total dividend payout of 25 kobo per ordinary share for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, the highest in the company’s history, following a robust operational performance despite Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
Speaking at the Group’s 3rd Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Shuaibu A. Idris, chairman of the board, said the company sustained its growth momentum through disciplined operations, stronger underwriting performance and prudent risk management strategies.
He disclosed that operating and other non-insurance income surged by 61 per cent from N4.09 billion in 2024 to N6.59 billion in 2025, while insurance revenue climbed by 47 per cent to N43.27 billion from N29.42 billion recorded in the previous year.
According to him, the Group’s net insurance service result more than doubled, rising by 121 per cent from N3.10 billion in 2024 to N6.85 billion in 2025 after settling claims, reinsurance costs and other underwriting obligations.
Although profit before tax declined to N8.44 billion from N22.65 billion in 2024, Idris attributed the drop to the sharp mark-to-market revaluation of the Group’s capital market investments rather than weaknesses in core operations.
“The fundamentals of the investment portfolio remain strong with brighter prospects ahead,” he stated.
The company also strengthened its balance sheet during the year, with cash and cash equivalents increasing by 96 per cent from N3.76 billion to N7.38 billion, while financial assets rose by 65 per cent to N45.90 billion from N27.88 billion.
Total assets grew by 33 per cent from N56.95 billion in 2024 to N75.94 billion in 2025, while shareholders’ funds advanced by 21 per cent within the same period.
“In a year defined by volatility, our consistency, resilience and business diversification became our greatest strengths,” Idris said, while thanking shareholders for their confidence and continued support.
On shareholders’ returns, the chairman said the Board adopted a balanced strategy aimed at rewarding investors while retaining enough capital to support expansion, innovation and future growth.
He announced a final dividend of 15 kobo per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 25 kobo per share when combined with the 10 kobo interim dividend already paid earlier in 2025.
“This is the highest dividend we have ever paid, and with the continued support of our shareholders, we believe we can sustain this growth trajectory in the years ahead,” he added.
Also speaking at the AGM, Eddie Efekoha, group chief executive officer, said the 2025 financial year was characterised by soaring inflation, exchange rate volatility, rising interest rates and weakened consumer spending, all of which increased operating costs and tightened liquidity across the economy.
Despite the harsh macroeconomic environment, Efekoha noted that demand for insurance protection remained strong as businesses and individuals sought financial security amid economic uncertainty.
Efekoha said the Group maintained resilience through disciplined underwriting, cost optimisation and improved operational efficiency across its subsidiaries.
Commenting on the implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025), Efekoha stated that Consolidated Hallmark Holdings possesses sufficient capital strength to meet the new regulatory requirements without pursuing mergers or external capital injections.
“Our Group does not require additional capital to meet the new regulatory thresholds. We are well-capitalised and strategically positioned for growth,” he said.
He described NIIRA 2025 as a significant opportunity for the Group to deepen its market presence and unlock new growth opportunities within the insurance sector.
Efekoha also reaffirmed the company’s strategic expansion into the life assurance business following the acquisition of a Life Assurance licence.
According to him, the Group is exploring the acquisition of an existing life insurance portfolio to accelerate market penetration and strengthen earnings capacity.
“With life insurance penetration still very low in Nigeria, the segment presents enormous growth potential for the Group,” he said.
Looking ahead, he assured shareholders that the Board and management would continue to pursue revenue diversification, operational efficiency and strategic acquisitions to drive sustainable long-term growth and shareholder value.