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Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has declared its first-ever interim dividend after reporting a 115 per cent increase in profit before tax for the six months ended June 30.
The board of the company approved an interim dividend of N1.00 per ordinary share, marking the first time CSCS has declared an interim payout to shareholders. The company said the dividend followed a record half-year financial performance, supported by stronger earnings and cash generation.
According to the company’s half-year results, profit before tax rose to N13.21 billion from the corresponding period in 2025, while total operating income increased by 92 per cent to N18.51 billion.
Operating profit grew by 186 per cent to N10.11 billion, while earnings per share increased to 190.1 kobo from 109.1 kobo recorded in the first half of last year.
The company attributed the improvement in earnings largely to higher transaction fee income as activity in the Nigerian capital market increased during the period. It also cited growth in depository services, collateral management revenue, data and technology-enabled services, as well as higher investment income.
CSCS said operating expenses rose by 38 per cent during the period, a slower pace than revenue growth, contributing to improved profitability.
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Its cost-to-income ratio improved to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent a year earlier, while operating profit margin rose to 54.6 per cent from 36.8 per cent.
The interim dividend of N1.00 per share represents about 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year.
Commenting on the decision, Chairman of CSCS Plc, Mr Temi Popoola, said: “The Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend reflects our collective confidence in the Company’s financial strength, the quality of its earnings and its long-term strategic direction. On behalf of my fellow Directors, I am pleased that this performance has been driven not only by stronger market activity but also by sustained improvements in operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and the continued diversification of our revenue streams.
“As a Board, we remain committed to maintaining an appropriate balance between rewarding shareholders today and continuing to invest in technology, innovation, resilience and new growth opportunities that will strengthen CSCS’ position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure and one of Africa’s foremost post-trade institutions.”
Also commenting on the results, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, Shehu Yahaya Shantali, said: “Our first half performance reflects the strength and resilience of CSCS’ business model, the dedication of our people and the continued confidence of market participants. We are particularly encouraged by the strong growth in earnings, the significant improvement in operating efficiency and our ability to translate that performance into enhanced shareholder returns, as demonstrated by our first ever interim dividend.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening our core market infrastructure, investing in technology and innovation, broadening our revenue streams and enhancing the value we deliver to all stakeholders. We are confident that these priorities position CSCS to sustain its growth trajectory and continue supporting the development of Nigeria’s capital market.”
