Unilever Nigeria Interim Dividend Rises to N2 as H1 Profit Hits N15.6bn

Unilever Nigeria Plc has declared an interim dividend of N2.00 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, after posting stronger earnings supported by robust revenue growth.

The consumer goods manufacturer reported revenue of N119.92 billion in the first half of 2026, up from N98.10 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a growth of 22.2 per cent. Profit after tax rose to N15.60 billion from N14.41 billion a year earlier.

In a corporate action filing released on Tuesday, the company announced a proposed interim dividend of N2.00 per ordinary share of 50 kobo each, subject to applicable withholding tax. Shareholders on the register of members as of July 31, 2026, will qualify for the payment.

The dividend will be paid electronically on August 14, 2026, to shareholders who have completed their e-dividend registration and mandated the registrar to credit their bank accounts directly.

The company’s financial statements showed that revenue growth outpaced the increase in operating expenses during the period.

Gross profit rose to N54.74 billion from N42.12 billion in the first half of 2025, while operating profit increased to N24.36 billion from N18.81 billion.

Profit before tax climbed to N29.18 billion from N24.15 billion, reflecting higher sales and stronger operational performance despite persistent inflationary pressures and elevated business costs in Nigeria.

Basic earnings per share improved to N2.72 from N2.51 recorded in the corresponding period of last year.

Despite increased dividend payments and capital expenditure, Unilever Nigeria maintained a strong liquidity position.

Cash and cash equivalents stood at N97.15 billion at the end of June 2026, compared with N110.75 billion at the beginning of the year. The company paid N18.67 billion in dividends during the period and invested more than N6 billion in property, plant and equipment.
Total assets closed the period at N177.24 billion, while shareholders’ equity stood at N104.38 billion.