FCMB Group Plc has proposed a final dividend of 35 Kobo per ordinary share for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, despite reporting a 141.7 percent increase in profit after tax.
The financial services group announced that shareholders will receive ₦0.35 for every 50 Kobo ordinary share held, subject to withholding tax and approval at the company’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 30, 2026.
According to the group’s audited financial statements, profit after tax rose sharply to ₦177.27 billion in 2025 from ₦73.34 billion recorded in the previous year.
Earnings attributable to shareholders increased to ₦169.55 billion, while earnings per share improved significantly from ₦2.38 in 2024 to ₦3.99 in 2025.
Despite the strong earnings performance, FCMB adopted a conservative dividend policy, proposing a payout that represents a relatively small portion of the year’s earnings.
The group’s gross earnings grew to ₦1.13 trillion in 2025 from ₦794.43 billion a year earlier. Interest income climbed to ₦1.01 trillion, supported by the high interest rate environment, while net interest income more than doubled to ₦505.91 billion from ₦225.30 billion in 2024.
Fee and commission income also recorded strong growth, rising from ₦74.31 billion to ₦97.89 billion during the period under review.
FCMB’s balance sheet remained robust as total assets increased to ₦7.63 trillion from ₦7.05 trillion recorded in the preceding year. Shareholders’ funds rose to ₦836.41 billion from ₦688.98 billion, reflecting the group’s strengthened capital position.
The lender, however, faced rising operating costs and credit risk provisions during the year. Net impairment losses on financial instruments increased to ₦81.71 billion from ₦41.24 billion, while personnel expenses rose to ₦107.18 billion from ₦79.30 billion.
General and administrative expenses also climbed to ₦135.34 billion compared to ₦87.55 billion in the previous year.
Market analysts believe FCMB’s cautious dividend approach reflects management’s focus on strengthening capital buffers ahead of ongoing banking sector recapitalisation requirements and positioning the group for future growth opportunities.
Under the dividend timetable released by the company, shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members as of the close of business on Monday, June 15, 2026, will qualify for the proposed dividend.
The register of shareholders will be closed on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting, dividend payments will be made electronically on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to shareholders who have completed the e-dividend registration process and mandated the registrar to pay dividends directly into their bank accounts.
FCMB advised shareholders who are yet to complete their e-dividend registration to download the relevant forms from the registrar’s website and submit them through their banks or directly to the registrar.
The company’s Annual General Meeting will hold virtually on June 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.