Stanbic IBTC proposes N4.50 interim dividend as H1 profit rises

Stanbic IBTC Holdings has proposed an interim dividend of N4.50 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026. The board announcement sets October 15 as the qualification date and November 13 as the payment date, according to the company half-year financial statements released to the Nigerian Exchange.

The proposed distribution accompanies stronger earnings. Profit before tax rose 40.17 per cent to N341.3 billion from N243.7 billion a year earlier, while net profit increased 38.24 per cent to N239.7 billion from N173.4 billion. Gross earnings also climbed to N650.3 billion from N511.5 billion.

Growth was not uniform across the income lines: net interest income fell 13.32 per cent even as gross earnings and profit advanced. For shareholders, the immediate event is the proposed N4.50 interim payment and its stated timetable. The half-year figures provide context for the board decision, while the fall in net interest income is a separate pressure within the reported performance.