United Capital Plc has increased its total dividend payout by 25 per cent after reporting a profit after tax of N28.15bn for the 2025 financial year.

The figures were disclosed in a statement issued on Friday following the company’s Annual General Meeting held in Abuja.

The investment banking group recorded a 17 per cent increase in profit after tax compared to the previous year, while revenue rose by 35 per cent to N58.55bn in 2025 from N43.43bn in 2024. The growth was driven by strong performance in trading income and fees.

Speaking at the AGM, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, said the results reflected deliberate strategic choices made by the company despite a challenging operating environment.

“2025 was a defining year for United Capital. In a challenging macroeconomic environment, we grew revenue by a third, returned every single subsidiary to profit, and strengthened our capital base,” he said. He added, “These results are not accidental; they reflect years of deliberate choices around people, products, and discipline. We enter 2026 with strong momentum and a clear ambition: to continue to build a financial services group that can deploy, manage and utilise capital in a manner that empowers Africans everywhere.”

Further analysis of the results showed that profit before tax rose by 37 per cent to N41.18bn, while total comprehensive income stood at N30.97bn, indicating improved earnings quality and cost efficiency.

The company attributed its revenue growth to a 176 per cent increase in net trading income and a 59 per cent rise in fee and commission income.

In line with its performance, the board approved a final dividend of N0.70 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to N1.00 per share, amounting to N18bn.

This represents a 25 per cent increase compared to the N14.4bn distributed to shareholders in 2024.

United Capital noted that all seven of its subsidiaries, spanning asset management, trusteeship, securities, investment banking, wealth management, microfinance banking, and consumer finance, recorded profits during the year, marking a first in the company’s history.

The firm described the achievement as evidence of improved resilience and diversification across its operations.

The company said the performance was recorded despite macroeconomic challenges in 2025, including high interest rates, exchange rate volatility, and regulatory changes affecting the financial services sector.

Also speaking, the Board Chairman, Uche Ike, said the company remains well-positioned to deliver sustained returns to shareholders, supported by strong governance and strategic direction.

He said, “Esteemed shareholders, we are well-positioned to deliver sustained superior returns in the years ahead. Our comprehensive strategic planning reinforces our commitment to building Africa’s leading investment bank.”

Ike noted that the company’s workforce continues to play a key role in its performance.

“We maintain a highly resourceful and motivated workforce, attracting top talent to support our strategic goals. Recognising the challenges of the current complex environment, we are focused on maximising value creation for our shareholders,” he added.

He further expressed confidence in the company’s outlook, saying, “As we navigate this new phase in our company’s governance and strategic direction, I am confident that the collective strength of our Board, Management Team, and Employees will continue to propel United Capital Plc toward sustainable growth, innovation, and value creation for all stakeholders.”

Looking ahead, the group said it would prioritise expanding its footprint across Africa, strengthening digital capabilities, and growing assets under management in its wealth and asset management businesses.

The company added that its strengthened capital base and improved operational structure position it for sustained growth in 2026.

United Capital Plc had earlier reported a 35 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, rising from N43.43bn at the end of 2024 to N58.55bn in 2025, according to its Audited Financial Results for the year ended 31 December 2025, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

The group stated that the performance reflects its strong execution capability, diversified revenue streams, and resilience across its business segments.