PZ Cussons Nigeria has reported a significant turnaround for the 2026 financial year, posting a 349% surge in profit after tax to N45.17 billion and proposing a dividend of N2.50 per share. Revenue grew 22% to N260.46 billion, while the company’s shareholders’ equity shifted from a negative N17.34 billion to a positive N66.64 billion. However, the results were heavily bolstered by N38.67 billion in non-recurring gains from asset disposals. While the underlying business showed strong growth—with pre-tax profit excluding unusual items rising 132%—investors are now focused on whether core operations can sustain this momentum and dividend payouts in 2027 without the aid of one-off asset sales.

Four companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange have announced dividend qualification dates for September and October 2026. PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc leads the group with a final dividend of N2.50 per share, following a significant 348.71% increase in profit after tax for the financial year ended May 2026. Other companies with upcoming qualification dates include Learn Africa Plc (N0.35), Red Star Express Plc (N0.45), and Academy Press Plc (N0.10). Shareholders must be on the register by the respective qualification dates to be eligible for these payouts.

The Nigerian stock market extended its recent rally on Monday, August 31, 2026, adding N1.91 trillion in market capitalization. The NGX All-Share Index rose 1.20% to close at 244,199.39 points, lifting the year-to-date return to 56.93%. The positive momentum follows FTSE Russell’s recent reclassification of Nigeria as a Frontier Market. Trading activity was robust, with 606.19 million shares exchanged for N38.70 billion. Banking stocks led the gains, with the Banking Index surging 3.11% as investors reacted to improved market sentiment. 43 stocks advanced while 16 declined.

Nigerian equities rallied on Monday, driven by strong buying in large-cap stocks including MTN Nigeria, Access Holdings, Aradel, and NGX Group. The market closed 1.2 percent higher, with the NGX All-Share Index reaching 244,199.50 points and total market capitalization climbing to N157.74 trillion. This bullish sentiment is largely attributed to the upcoming reclassification of the Nigerian market to FTSE Russell Frontier Market status, effective September 21, 2026. Analysts expect the inclusion to improve foreign liquidity and institutional participation, provided that foreign exchange reforms and capital repatriation ease remain stable.

PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has reported a strong financial performance for the 2026 fiscal year, with revenue rising 22% to N260.46 billion from N212.63 billion in 2025. Profit after tax surged by 349% to N45.2 billion, supported by operational improvements, non-core asset disposals, and effective foreign exchange management. Reflecting this growth, the company transitioned from a negative equity position of N17.3 billion to a positive equity of N66.6 billion. The Board has proposed a dividend of N2.50 per share for shareholders.

Nigeria’s top audit firms reported over N175 billion in combined revenue for the 2025 financial year, according to Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria transparency reports. KPMG Nigeria led the revenue rankings with N67 billion, despite having fewer clients than PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). PwC, which topped the market by client count with 295 entities, recorded N55.36 billion in revenue, followed by Ernst & Young (EY) at N42.27 billion. The data highlights a significant shift in the professional services sector, where advisory, tax, and consulting services increasingly drive revenue growth over traditional statutory audit engagements. Deloitte, BDO, Grant Thornton, and Forvis Mazars also maintained substantial market influence, though Deloitte did not disclose specific revenue figures.

The Nigerian equities market began the week on a bullish note, with the NGX All-Share Index climbing 1.12% to close at 246,183.96 points. Investor wealth surged by N1.76 trillion, pushing total market capitalization to N158.81 trillion. Trading activity intensified, with volume, value, and deal counts rising significantly. First HoldCo was the session’s standout performer, gaining 9.95% to close at N105.50, following a strong half-year profit report of over N653.5 billion. Sustained demand for banking and industrial stocks, including significant gains from Custodian Investment, NEM Insurance, and BUA Cement, drove the market’s positive momentum.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has stated that the regulator will maintain heightened supervision of the banking sector despite the successful conclusion of the recent recapitalisation exercise.

Speaking at the BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum, Cardoso noted that while the industry raised between N4 trillion and N5 trillion in fresh capital to build resilience against economic shocks, continuous oversight remains essential. He emphasized that the stronger capital base is intended to support eventual increased lending to the private sector once inflation and interest rates moderate. Cardoso also warned banks against indiscriminate lending, urging them to prioritize sophisticated risk management and proper analysis, especially when navigating complex sectors like oil and gas. The CBN plans to collaborate with financial institutions to enhance their internal risk assessment capabilities.

The Nigerian equities market recorded a significant downturn on Monday, with the All-Share Index falling 0.84% to 241,749.11 points. Market capitalization shrunk by approximately N1.32 trillion, dropping to N155.13 trillion as profit-taking triggered widespread sell pressure across 46 stocks.

The industrial goods sector was the hardest hit, led by a 9.99% decline in BUA Cement. Other significant laggards included PZ Cussons, which fell 10%, along with notable losses in major banking stocks like FCMB Group, FBN Holdings, Zenith Bank, and GTCO. Despite the negative price movement, market activity increased, with trade volume rising 18.66% and total value traded jumping 33.39% to N22.28 billion. The market’s year-to-date return currently stands at 55.35%, with analysts attributing the sell-off to investor portfolio rebalancing.

The Nigerian equities market recorded a significant decline on Monday, with investors shedding N1.32 trillion in market capitalization as profit-taking swept through the industrial goods, banking, and consumer goods sectors. The NGX All-Share Index fell by 0.84% to close at 241,749.11 points, bringing the market capitalization to N155.13 trillion.

The session was marked by intense sell pressure, with 46 stocks recording losses against 19 gainers. BUA Cement led the industrial retreat with a 9.99% decline, while PZ Cussons emerged as the day’s biggest loser, dropping 10%. Banking heavyweights, including FCMB and First HoldCo, also faced notable declines. Despite the negative price movement, market activity intensified, with trade volume rising by 18.66% and total value surging by 14.81% to N22.28 billion. Year-to-date returns now stand at 55.35%.