MTN Nigeria Lost 8.3% Ahead of Interim Dividend, Potential Offer

MTN Nigeria Lost 8.3% Ahead of Interim Dividend, Potential Offer

MTN Nigeria Plc (Ticker: MTNN) lost 8.3% of its market value as investors trimmed shares held in the telecom company ahead of the interim dividend qualification date.

Sell pressures on the telecommunication company stock reduced its market value to N10.014 trillion, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Exchange. 

MarketForces Africa reported that its majority shareholders control 73.4% of MTN Nigeria shareholdings as of the end of the third quarter of 2025, with a plan to sell down interest.

The telecom company opened the trading session last week at N520.1 per share, its highest value in 52-week, but closed at N477, down by 8.3% week on week.

In 9M-2025, MTN Nigeria returned to profitability, achieving a 245% growth in profit after tax to N687 billion versus N474 billion loss after tax in the equivalent period in 2024.

Following its robust earnings performance in the period, its board of directors announced an interim dividend of N5 per 2 kobo ordinary share. The interim dividend will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members as at the close of business on 20 November 2025.

On 28 November 2025, dividends will be paid electronically to shareholders whose names appear on the Register of Members as at 20 November 2025, according to MTN Nigeria.

MTNN last paid a dividend two years ago, on the back of a negative equity position. However, the significantly improved earnings profile stopped the company’s dividend holiday.

According to separate analysts’ views, the interim dividend signals MTN is on track to maintain a robust payout ratio. Meanwhile, analysts anticipate share offers following recent comments from MTN Group President Ralph Mupita regarding a potential public offer post-dividend resumption.

MTN Mauritius, the majority shareholder, plans to sell part of its holdings.  Details from its book showed that MTN International (Mauritius) Limited owns 73.39% of the Nigerian subsidiary.

With a free float value of N1,592,126,318,538 as at 30 September 2025, it was compliant with the Exchange’s requirements for free float for companies listed on the Premium Board. Oando Sinks Below N500bn Amidst Petrol Business Threat