Economy
UPDC Closes as Worst-Performing Stock as NGX Index Sheds 0.01%
By Dipo Olowookere
The Nigerian stock market returned to the red territory on Tuesday after it depreciated by a marginal 0.01 per cent on the back of profit-taking.
The decline in the share prices of UPDC, GTCO, UBA, Oando and 11 others contributed to the downfall of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited yesterday as they outweighed the gains posted by Access Bank, Flour Mills, Honeywell Flour and 16 others.
At the close of transactions, the All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 4.99 points to 43,255.14 points from 43,260.13 points, while the market capitalisation remained unchanged at N22.576 trillion.
Business Post reports that UPDC was the worst-performing stock yesterday as its share value went down by 9.35 per cent to trade at N1.26, followed by NEM Insurance, which dropped 9.27 per cent to sell for N1.86.
Axa Mansard Insurance went down by 5.11 per cent to close at N2.23, Chams depreciated by 4.55 per cent to 21 kobo, while Royal Exchange declined by 4.08 per cent to 47 kobo.
However, the best-performing stock for the trading session was Honeywell Flour as investors pounced on the news of its acquisition by a rival Flour Mills to mop up its shares and this caused the 9.95 per cent growth recorded at the session, closing at N4.09.
University Press appreciated by 8.70 per cent to N2.50, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance grew by 7.41 per cent to 58 kobo, GlaxoSmithKline rose by 5.79 per cent to N6.40, while FTN Cocoa gained 5.00 per cent to finish at 42 kobo.
The level of activity was poor on Tuesday as the trading volume, value and number of deals decreased by b90.93 per cent, 82.34 per cent and 13.57 per cent respectively.
This was because investors traded 218.0 million stocks worth N2.9 billion in 4,158 deals yesterday compared with Monday’s 2.4 billion stocks worth N16.5 billion traded in 4,811 deals.
GTCO was the most active stock as it traded 36.2 million units valued at N919,6 million, while FNB Holdings trailed with the sale of 31.5 million units worth N387.3 million.
During the session, Zenith Bank transacted 13.4 million equities worth N327.3 million, Access Bank exchanged 13.1 million stocks for N121.5 million, while Honeywell Flour traded 9.8 million shares for N40.3 million.
In terms of the performance of the five key sectors of the market, the banking index closed 0.21 per cent, the industrial goods space closed flat, while the insurance, energy and consumer goods counters depreciated by 1.97 per cent, 0.20 per cent and 0.16 per cent respectively.
As MSMEs across the South-East seek opportunities for growth, market expansion and cross-border trade, Stanbic IBTC, in partnership with the Anambra State Government, convened the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour in Onitsha to equip businesses with practical solutions for sustainable growth.
The summit, organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, brought together government officials, business leaders, trade associations, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore practical pathways for economic growth, business sustainability and increased participation in local and international trade.
Speaking at the event, which took place on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, Honourable Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Anambra State, highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships between government, financial institutions and the private sector in creating an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“Sustainable economic development requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Financial institutions such as Stanbic IBTC have an important role to play by providing not only access to finance but also business advisory services, capacity building and the knowledge that enables businesses to grow sustainably,” he said.
Given Onitsha’s strategic position as a commercial hub, discussions centred on access to finance, enterprise development, business sustainability and opportunities for expansion into new markets. Stanbic IBTC’s Trade Team also provided practical insights into trade and export opportunities available to businesses operating within the South-East’s manufacturing and distribution value chains, highlighting strategies that can help enterprises improve competitiveness and unlock new growth opportunities.
Commenting on Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, said:
“We recognise the critical role businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Supporting their growth remains central to our purpose of driving Africa’s growth, and we will continue to provide the solutions, partnerships and platforms they need to thrive.”
Also commenting on Stanbic IBTC’s support for Nigerian businesses, Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said:
“Our commitment to supporting businesses is unrelenting. Through strategic partnerships and platforms such as the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour, we are connecting entrepreneurs to the knowledge, networks and financial solutions needed to scale their businesses and compete more effectively in today’s evolving marketplace.”
The summit also highlighted Stanbic IBTC’s focus on providing businesses with access to the capital, insights and connections needed to achieve sustainable growth. This commitment aligns with the strategic direction of the bank’s Enterprise Banking business, led by Olajumoke Bello, as Stanbic IBTC continues to deepen engagement with MSMEs and growth-focused businesses across Nigeria.
The Onitsha engagement builds on successful editions of the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour previously held in Katsina, Aba and Ibadan. Through the initiative, Stanbic IBTC continues to work with public and private sector stakeholders to equip entrepreneurs with practical insights, strategic partnerships and business solutions that support sustainable growth.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of Presco Plc has proposed the payment of an interim dividend of N10 per share to shareholders of the organisation for the first six months of this year.
This information was conveyed in the unaudited financial statements of the company released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
In the results for the half-year ended June 30, 2026, the fully integrated agro-industrial firm said the cash reward reinforces its commitment to delivering consistent shareholder returns.
It further assured that looking ahead, it remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational efficiency and long-term value creation while navigating evolving market conditions.
A look at the key financial highlights of the results showed that revenue was relatively stable at about N199.0 billion in the first half of 2026 and the same period of 2025 amid a high-cost operating environment and softer crude palm oil prices.
However, the pre-tax profit rose by 9.3 per cent to N122.2 billion from N119.9 billion as result of a 31.9 per cent reduction in financing costs.
Further, the Edo State-based company posted an EBITDA of N123.1 billion, which yielded a margin of 61.9 per cent, as the organisation strengthened its balance sheet, reducing total liabilities by 42.5 per cent to N277.8 billion, while equity grew 13.8 per cent to N503.6 billion, with a current ratio of 345.6 per cent, which underscores robust liquidity.
“Our H1 2026 performance underscores the strength of our operational model in a challenging environment. The 9.3 per cent growth in profit before tax, driven largely by a 31.9 per cent reduction in financing costs, reflects our deliberate focus on cost optimisation and balance sheet discipline.
“With equity up 13.8 per cent and liabilities down by 42.5 per cent, we have further fortified our financial foundation.
“The proposed interim dividend of N10 per share signals our confidence in the business’s trajectory and our commitment to rewarding shareholders,” the chief executive of Presco, Mr Reji George, stated.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The ex-depot prices of the two major petroleum products in the country, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), have been slashed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The company, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that while petrol is now N1,165 per litre, diesel is now N1,570 per litre.
The energy firm said it slashed the prices to reaffirm its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market.
The latest cut in the price of PMS represents N50, as it was previously sold to marketers at N1,215 per litre, while diesel witnessed an N80 reduction, as it was formerly being sold at N1,650 per litre.
Dangote Refinery stated that the downward price review reflects its ongoing efforts to enhance energy affordability, improve access to refined petroleum products, and support economic activities across Nigeria, saying it remains committed to ensuring stable supply while leveraging operational efficiencies to deliver value to consumers, businesses, and stakeholders.
As Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting the nation’s economic development through the supply of world-class petroleum products.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy and passing on the benefits of improved operational efficiencies to consumers whenever market conditions permit.
