Folasope Aiyesimoju’s portfolio on Nigerian Exchange nears $200M

Nigeria’s youngest dealmaker, Folasope Babasola Aiyesimoju, Chief Executive Officer of UAC of Nigeria Plc (UACN), has seen a notable surge in the market value of his diversified holdings in three publicly listed entities on the Nigerian Exchange, which now approach $200 million.

The surge, driven by investor demand for dividend-yielding equities, has lifted the combined value of his stakes in UACN, Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), and UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) to N258 billion ($188.1 million). The gains reflect a broader rebound in Nigerian equities, with Aiyesimoju’s portfolio recording over $90 million in paper gains since January 2026.

UACN, CAP rally drives portfolio expansion

Aiyesimoju, the Chairman of CAP Plc, and the largest shareholder of UACN, holds 743.08 million shares in UACN, representing a 25.36% stake in the diversified group with interests spanning food, real estate, logistics, and paints.

Through UACN, he also exercises indirect control over CAP, where the parent company holds a 57.85% stake, equivalent to 471.34 million shares. Since the start of the year, the value of his UACN stake has climbed by N73.57 billion ($53.92 million), while his CAP exposure has increased by N50.27 billion ($36.79 million), tracking sharp gains in both companies’ share prices.

CAP shares have risen more than 150% year-to-date, jumping from N69 to N175.65, while UACN shares have doubled from N91 to N190, pushing the conglomerate’s market capitalization above $400 million and placing it among the top 40 most valuable firms on the NGX.

Real estate exposure adds to valuation

Aiyesimoju’s indirect stake in UPDC, where he holds a 41.47% interest through UACN, is now valued at N33.87 billion ($24.76 million), further boosting his overall portfolio, which nears $200 million. The combined valuation of his stakes across UACN, CAP, and UPDC underscores the growing influence of listed conglomerates in Nigeria’s capital markets, particularly those delivering consistent earnings and dividends.

In addition, UAC of Nigeria Plc, under his leadership, holds a 78.42% stake in Livestock Feeds, another subsidiary within its agriculture and animal nutrition portfolio. Collectively, UACN’s listed holdings total 2,352,524,529 shares across 715 shareholders, with a combined market value of N20.47 billion ($14.92 million).

Earnings growth supports investor demand

The rally is underpinned by strong financial performance across the group’s core businesses. CAP reported a 38% increase in profit for Q1 2026, rising to N1.58 billion ($1.16 million), marking the first time the company has crossed the $1 million quarterly profit threshold. Revenue rose 15% year-on-year to N11.59 billion ($8.51 million), supported by improved sales in its paints and coatings segment.

At UACN, profit surged 311.39% year-on-year, while revenue more than tripled, climbing 241.45% to N161.09 billion ($117.2 million). Operating profit increased more than fourfold to N28.4 billion ($20.66 million), reflecting improved cost efficiency and stronger margins. Gross profit reached N54.8 billion ($39.83 million), with margins expanding to 28.7%, driven by pricing adjustments and a favorable product mix.

Ownership structure and strategic positioning

UACN operates through a multi-sector portfolio that includes food and beverages, paints, logistics, and real estate, positioning it as one of Nigeria’s most diversified conglomerates. Aiyesimoju’s dual role as CEO of UACN and Chairman of CAP places him at the center of the group’s strategic direction, including capital allocation, expansion, and operational efficiency.

UAC House, 1-5 Odunlami Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

With strong earnings momentum and sustained investor demand, UACN and its subsidiaries are expected to remain key beneficiaries of capital inflows into Nigerian equities. Future performance will likely hinge on continued execution across its expanded portfolio, including its recently integrated beverage business and ongoing efficiency improvements. If current trends persist, Aiyesimoju’s holdings could surpass the $200 million mark, reinforcing his position among the most prominent shareholders on the Nigerian Exchange.