The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has rewarded its shareholders with its first-ever interim dividend, approving a payout of N1.00 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, following a record-breaking first-half financial performance that underscored the company’s strong earnings momentum, operational efficiency and confidence in its growth outlook.
The historic decision, approved by the company’s Board of Directors, marks the first interim dividend since CSCS was established and reflects its robust cash generation, resilient balance sheet and commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders while continuing to invest in technology, innovation and long-term expansion.
The interim dividend represents about 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year, highlighting management’s confidence in the sustainability of the company’s earnings and prospects.
The announcement followed one of the strongest financial performances in the history of Nigeria’s premier securities depository, with virtually all key financial indicators posting remarkable growth during the first half of 2026.
According to the company’s financial results released on Monday, operating income rose by 92 per cent to N18.51bn, driven by a sharp increase in transaction fee income as activity in the Nigerian capital market strengthened.
The growth was further supported by higher revenues from depository services, expanding collateral management operations, increased demand for data and technology-enabled services, as well as improved investment income from an optimised investment portfolio.
Despite the significant rise in revenue, CSCS maintained tight cost discipline, with operating expenses increasing by only 38 per cent, enabling the company to translate stronger revenues into significantly higher profitability.
As a result, operating profit surged by 186 per cent to N10.11bn, while profit before tax climbed 115 per cent to N13.21bb. Earnings per share also increased substantially to 190.1 kobo, compared with 109.1 kobo recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The company’s operational efficiency improved considerably during the period. Its cost-to-income ratio declined to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent a year earlier, while operating profit margin strengthened to 54.6 per cent from 36.8 per cent, reflecting improved operating leverage, disciplined cost management and the scalability of its business model.
The strong performance also demonstrates CSCS’ ability to leverage increased capital market activity while expanding alternative revenue streams, reinforcing its position as a critical financial market infrastructure institution supporting Nigeria’s capital market.
Commenting on the Board’s approval of the interim dividend, Chairman of CSCS Plc, Mr. Temi Popoola, said the decision reflected the Board’s confidence in the company’s financial strength, the quality of its earnings and its long-term strategic direction.
He noted that the impressive performance was driven not only by increased market activity but also by sustained improvements in operational efficiency, prudent cost management and continued diversification of the company’s revenue base.
According to him, the Board remains committed to maintaining an appropriate balance between rewarding shareholders and investing in technology, innovation, operational resilience and new growth opportunities that will further strengthen CSCS’ position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure and one of Africa’s foremost post-trade institutions.
Also commenting on the results, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, Mr. Shehu Yahaya Shantali, described the first-half performance as a reflection of the resilience of the company’s business model, the dedication of its workforce and the continued confidence of market participants.
He said the maiden interim dividend demonstrates the company’s ability to convert strong financial performance into enhanced shareholder returns while maintaining focus on long-term value creation.
Shantali added that the company would continue to strengthen its core market infrastructure, deepen investments in technology and innovation, diversify its revenue streams and enhance stakeholder value, expressing confidence that these strategic priorities would sustain CSCS’ growth trajectory and further support the development of Nigeria’s capital market.
