MTN Group Declares Surprise Dividend Amid Profit Surge

MTN Group, based in Johannesburg, has reported a return to profitability, declaring a surprise dividend of 5 rand per share for the year 2025, surpassing the median analyst estimate of 3.82 rand. The company's profit increased to 20.3 billion rand, reversing the damage caused in 2024 due to significant currency devaluation, especially in Nigeria, which is its second-largest market.

The board has approved a new shareholder return framework, committing to a minimum annual distribution of 40 percent of equity free cash flow, with the possibility of raising it to 60 percent through special dividends or share buybacks. The total amount for share buybacks is set at 6 billion rand over three years.