The NGX Premium Index has delivered an impressive 53.86% year-to-date return as of the week ended October 17, 2025, driven by strong gains across the large-cap stocks that constitute the index.
In comparison, the broader All-Share Index is up 44.74%, while the NGX 30 has risen 42.69%, indicating that the Premium Index has outperformed other major benchmarks so far this year.
The NGX Premium Index tracks companies on the Nigerian Exchange that meet high standards of corporate governance, transparency, and market liquidity.
To qualify, a company must have free float shares valued at N40 billion or more, meet a minimum capital requirement of N200 billion, and score at least 70% on the NGX Corporate Governance Rating System, among other criteria.
These requirements are aimed at ensuring that listed companies have adequate market depth and strong governance structures that promote investor confidence.
Since 2020, the Premium Index has closed each year in positive territory. With a 53.86% gain so far in 2025, it remains on course for another positive year, though still below its 2020 record performance of 64.01%.
This report reviews the individual stocks that make up the Premium Board and their year-to-date performance in 2025
Here they are.
Zenith Bank Plc has recorded a 49.89% gain so far in 2025.
It began the year at N45.50, pushing past the N50 mark in January before retreating slightly to N47.00 in March.
The second quarter marked a clear shift in momentum, as renewed buying interest lifted the stock to N56.95 by June. July brought even stronger sentiment, driving a 34% jump to N76.50.
Although the rally cooled in August and September, Zenith has stayed firmly in positive territory, trading around N68.20 by mid-October.
For the half year ended June 2025, the group reported a pre-tax profit of N625.6 billion and a post-tax profit of N532.18 billion.
Gross earnings climbed 19.96% to N2.52 trillion, reflecting stronger revenue generation.
