Author: Gilbert Ayoola

Investors to Maintain Cautious Optimism in Equities Market The Nigerian stock market saw another positive close on Friday, January 24, 2025, with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) climbing by 0.79%. This uptick saw the ASI reach a remarkable 103,598.54 basis points, a clear indication of the market’s continued upward momentum. As the final trading day of the week, the market remained vibrant, reflecting both investor confidence and a generally positive outlook in the economy. A significant driver of market enthusiasm was the release of Transpower’s final year results, which included a dividend declaration of N3.50 per share. This…

Explainer: What’s Behind the Volatility in Honeywell Flour Mills’ Stock Price? In recent days, Honeywell Flour Mills (HFM) has demonstrated remarkable volatility and a significant upward price movement in its stock, catching the attention of investors and analysts alike. From December 23, 2024, HFM’s stock price surged from N6.65, reaching a high of N11.02 per share, before eventually settled at N9.70 on January 21, 2025, translating into 45.86%. This price movement marked a substantial shift compared to its prior low of N6.19, raising questions about what factors are behind this rapid change in its market valuation. Several potential reasons have…

Zenith Bank Sets Stage for Strong Finish after Q3 Earnings Beat Zenith Bank has once again proven its dominance in the Nigerian banking sector, showcasing remarkable financial results for Q3 2024 that position it strongly in the market. With a profit before tax (PBT) of N1.0 trillion, the bank achieved an impressive 98.5% year-on-year growth, underscoring its resilience and ability to navigate a challenging economic environment. This stellar performance has not gone unnoticed in the financial markets, with investors continuing to price the stock positively on the exchange. The bank’s exceptional results are not just a reflection of its operational…

FCMB Earnings Growth in Q3 Raised Investors Expectations FCMB Group Plc demonstrated impressive financial resilience in its Q3 2024 unaudited results, reflecting robust growth across key performance indicators. The bank reported a remarkable surge in gross earnings, reaching N213.3 billion, which represents an 88.18% increase from the previous year. This growth showcases the group’s ability to capitalise on market opportunities, even in a dynamic and often challenging economic environment. The group’s pre-tax profit for Q3 2024 stood at N27.6 billion, marking a significant increase of 63.35% compared to N16.9 billion during the same period in 2023. This uptick in pre-tax…

Cocoa Price Surge: Global Shift Drives Opportunities for Investors The cocoa market is currently experiencing a significant surge in prices, fuelled by a global shift in demand, particularly from major beverage companies. This surge, which is reversing the previous losses seen in earlier sessions, presents a promising opportunity for traders and investors, especially those with a keen eye on international markets. Global demand for cocoa is on the rise as more beverage companies ramp up their production of chocolate-based drinks and confectioneries. This heightened demand has placed significant pressure on cocoa suppliers, and the ripple effects are being felt across…

Suspension of Export Proceeds Repatriation Extension: Implications for Nigerian Economy On January 8, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made a significant move by suspending the approval of extensions for the repatriation of export proceeds. This action, which halts the authorisation of requests for additional time by approved dealer banks on behalf of exporters, is set to have profound and far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy. The suspension, which is effective immediately, is likely to alter the landscape of international trade, foreign exchange markets, and the overall financial stability of the country. The repatriation of export proceeds is a critical…

Invest: Creating a Path to Financial Freedom As people age, priorities shift. What once seemed vital—career milestones, climbing the corporate ladder, achieving recognition—may give way to a more profound understanding of time’s value. Time becomes a precious commodity, one that we often wish we could reclaim. The pursuit of wealth is no longer just about accumulating more money; it becomes about creating economic freedom, securing financial stability, and most importantly, investing in ways that allow you to reclaim your most valuable asset: time. We live in an era where the idea of financial independence has evolved. It’s no longer about…

Top Dividend Paying Stocks in Nigerian Market While the Nigerian equities market may not have an extensive list of companies with a 25-year streak of dividend increases, there are certain companies that have a long-standing reputation for paying attractive dividends, even if their track records are shorter. Some of these stocks include: Guaranty Trust Holdings Company (GTCO): One of Nigeria’s largest and most profitable financial institutions, GTCO is known for its reliable dividend payouts. The bank has consistently rewarded shareholders with both dividends and share bonuses. Dangote Cement: As one of Africa’s largest cement producers, Dangote Cement has benefitted from…

Stop Investing Like Your Parents Did In the world of investing, traditional methods, like those that were passed down to you by your parents, often fail to keep pace with today’s rapidly changing market dynamics. Many investors still hold on to the age-old advice of buying and holding shares in companies with a long-term horizon, often with the expectation that they will eventually see steady growth. However, this approach is no longer enough to build wealth in the modern economy. While you may have seen your parents achieve moderate returns using this method, it’s time to step into the future…

MTN Nigeria Plc returned to profitability in the third quarter (Q3) of the financial year 2024, a development that marked a significant turning point after three consecutive quarters of net losses. The feat signalled a successful recovery strategy and a promising trajectory moving forward.