Research Team
6 min read
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Ten stocks listed on the Nigerian Exchange have delivered returns of more than 100% since the start of 2026, with the weakest performer on this list still gaining almost twice as much as the broader market year-to-date. If you have been sitting on the sidelines, these numbers are a compelling invitation to take a closer look.
Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from share price, trading and financial data published by the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) covers the period from January 2, 2025, to August 14, 2026 closing price. The NGX All-Share Index gained 55.91% over the same period, meaning every stock on this list has outperformed the benchmark by at least 46 percentage points. Trading activity figures reflect data for August 14, 2026 only.
These ten stocks span eight sectors, from banking and oil and gas to industrial goods, consumer goods, and telecoms. Returns range from 121.73% at the lower end to 365.49% at the top — enough to turn a modest stake into serious money.
Below is a breakdown of the stocks.
10. NCR (Nigeria) Plc (121.73%)
NCR (Nigeria) Plc opens the ranking with a year-to-date return of 121.73%, with its share price climbing from N72.70 to N161.20. The stock hit a 52-week high of N199.00 and a 52-week low of N9.55, a wide range indicating significant price volatility during the period.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N1.24 billion, up 37.58% from N900 million in H1 2025, while profit after tax of N144 million grew 221.34% from N45 million in the prior-year period. On August 14, the ICT company recorded 6 trades and a volume of 1,227 units, reflecting limited activity on the day — meaning there is still room for more investors to get in.
9. Aradel Holdings Plc (127.88%)
Aradel Holdings Plc returned 127.88% year-to-date, with its share price rising from N670.00 to N1,526.80. The stock hit a 52-week high of N2,024.00 and a 52-week low of N510.00, with the current price sitting well below its peak, reflecting the mid-year correction that pulled back gains from May.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N2.49 trillion, up 576.88% from N368.08 billion in H1 2025, driven by the consolidation of acquired assets. Profit after tax of N191.05 billion grew 30.50% from N146.39 billion. On August 14, the oil and gas company recorded 707 trades and a volume of 166,867 units, the third highest number of trades on the day.
8. HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc (148.33%)
HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly known as Lafarge Africa Plc, returned 148.33% year-to-date, with its share price rising from N134.50 to N334.00. The stock hit a 52-week high of N389.90 and a 52-week low of N103.00.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N678.41 billion, up 31.23% from N516.98 billion in H1 2025, while profit after tax of N208.35 billion grew 57.03% from N132.68 billion, reflecting strong margin expansion alongside revenue growth. On August 14, the industrial goods company recorded 1,108 trades and a volume of 1,309,157 units, the second highest number of trades on the day.
7. Airtel Africa Plc (177.53%)
Airtel Africa Plc returned 177.53% year-to-date, with its share price climbing from N2,270.00 to N6,300.00, touching a 52-week high of N6,300.00, meaning the stock closed at its highest level of the year on August 14. Airtel Africa reports in dollars.
Revenue for H1 2026 was $1.85 billion, up 31.0% year-on-year from $1.42 billion, driven by data revenue of $750 million (up 36.5%) and mobile money revenue of $434 million (up 38.9%). EBITDA of $928 million grew 36.6% with an EBITDA margin of 50.1%, up from 48.0%. Operating profit of $627 million rose 40.7%. On August 14, the telecoms company recorded 153 trades and a volume of 19,072 units, with the low unit volume reflecting the stock’s high price per share.
6. First HoldCo Plc (192.28%)
First HoldCo Plc returned 192.28% year-to-date, with its share price rising from N47.90 to N140.00, touching a 52-week high of N150.00 and a 52-week low of N29.25.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N1.40 trillion, down 2.74% from N1.44 trillion in H1 2025, though profit after tax of N526.26 billion surged 85.45% from N283.77 billion, reflecting stronger profitability despite a modest revenue contraction. The rally has coincided with improving earnings fundamentals and sustained insider accumulation, with Chairman Femi Otedola notably increasing his shareholding position during the period. On August 14, First HoldCo was the most actively traded stock in the ranking, recording 1,902 trades and a volume of 19,551,659 units, the highest number of trades and the second highest volume on the day.
5. Premier Paints Plc (204.00%)
Premier Paints Plc returned 204.00% year-to-date, with its share price rising from N10.00 to N30.40. The stock hit a 52-week high of N37.50 and a 52-week low of N11.00.
Revenue for H1 2026 grew 8.65% year-on-year, while the company recorded a loss after tax of N8.07 million compared to a profit of N1.14 million in H1 2025, a reversal that sits in contrast to the tripling of its share price during the period. On August 14, the industrial goods company recorded 12 trades and a volume of 14,569 units.
4. Berger Paints Plc (207.50%)
Berger Paints Plc returned 207.50% year-to-date, with its share price climbing from N48.00 to N147.60. The stock hit a 52-week high of N168.95 and a 52-week low of N32.00.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N10.35 billion, up 13.36% from N9.13 billion in H1 2025, while profit after tax of N1.25 billion grew 33.35% from N934 million, with both revenue and profitability moving in the same direction as the share price. On August 14, the company recorded 42 trades and a volume of 15,387 units.
3. R T Briscoe Plc (231.43%)
R T Briscoe Plc returned 231.43% year-to-date, with its share price rising from N3.50 to N11.60. The stock hit a 52-week high of N19.16 and a 52-week low of N2.85.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N24.60 billion, up 50.70% from N16.32 billion in H1 2025, while profit after tax of N801 million grew 140.95% from N332 million, reflecting strong operational improvement alongside the share price appreciation. On August 14, the services company recorded 37 trades and a volume of 509,892 units, the fourth highest volume on the day.
2. Union Dicon Salt Plc (244.20%)
Union Dicon Salt Plc returned 244.20% year-to-date, with its share price rising from N6.90 to N23.75. The stock’s 52-week high of N23.75 coincides with the August 14 closing price, meaning the stock ended the day at its highest level of the past year.
The company had no revenue reported for H1 2025, making a year-on-year comparison unavailable, while H1 2026 revenue stood at N13.01 million. Profit after tax of negative N8.37 billion represents a significant deterioration from a profit of N35.67 billion in H1 2025. On August 14, the consumer goods company recorded 7 trades and a volume of 20,164 units.
1. SCOA Nigeria Plc (365.49%)
Leading the ranking is SCOA Nigeria Plc by 365.49% year-to-date returns, with its share price rising from N7.10 to N33.05, delivering a near-fivefold (4.65 times) increase from its opening price. The stock hit a 52-week high of N38.15 and a 52-week low of N6.00.
Revenue for H1 2026 was N4.93 billion, up 47.39% from N3.34 billion in H1 2025, though profit after tax of N147.93 million declined 54.67% from N326.34 million, suggesting revenue growth has not translated into improved profitability. On August 14, the conglomerate recorded only 8 trades and a volume of 6,672 units, the second lowest trade count on the day — a sign that liquidity, and opportunity, may still be building.
The Takeaway
The first eight months of 2026 have shown that Nigerian stocks can deliver exceptional returns for investors willing to do their homework and take calculated risks. From banking to telecoms, from oil and gas to industrial goods, the market has rewarded those who positioned early. As we move into the final stretch of the year, these companies will need to demonstrate that their gains are supported by sustainable business fundamentals rather than just market euphoria.
For investors looking to participate in Nigeria’s growth story, these top performers offer valuable insights into the sectors and companies driving the market’s impressive performance. However, remember that successful investing is about building a balanced portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Important Disclaimer
Investment Warning: The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you could get back less than you invest. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Stock investments carry market risk, and investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and investment objectives before investing.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as personalized investment advice. Before making any investment decisions, consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor or licensed stockbroker who can assess your individual circumstances and goals.
