19 March 2026
Stanbic Holdings Dividend 2026: Record KES 22.35 — Book Close May 15
The Stanbic Holdings dividend 2026 has been confirmed at a record KES 22.35 per share — the fourth consecutive annual increase and the highest payout in Stanbic’s 60-year history. The book close is May 15, 2026, with the final dividend payment expected approximately June 2026. If you want to qualify, you must buy SBIC shares by approximately May 9, 2026.
✅ Updated April 8, 2026. All figures sourced from Stanbic Holdings’ official FY2025 results. Book close date confirmed from company announcement.
Stanbic Holdings Dividend 2026 — Key Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NSE ticker | SBIC |
| Current share price | KES 257.75 (April 8, 2026) |
| All-time high | KES 260.00 (February 27, 2026) |
| 1-year gain | ~+53% |
| Total dividend per share (FY2025) | KES 22.35 |
| Interim dividend (paid Oct 2025) | KES 3.80 |
| Final dividend proposed | KES 18.55 |
| Previous year total dividend | KES 20.74 |
| Dividend increase | +7.8% |
| Total dividend pool | KES 8.83 billion |
| Payout ratio | 64.4% |
| FY2025 profit after tax | KES 13.72 billion |
| Dividend yield at KES 257.75 | ~8.7% |
| Book close date | May 15, 2026 ✅ Confirmed |
| Last safe day to buy | ~May 9, 2026 |
| Final dividend payment | ~June 2026 |
The Confirmed Dates — Act by May 9
Stanbic confirmed: “Subject to shareholders‘ approval, the final dividend will be payable to the members of the company registered on the share register of the company on the closure date, May 15, 2026.”
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| ~May 9, 2026 | Last safe day to buy SBIC (T+3 settlement) |
| ~May 13, 2026 | Ex-dividend date — shares trade without dividend |
| May 15, 2026 | Book close — register of qualifying shareholders confirmed |
| ~June 2026 | Final dividend payment to your bank account |
The T+3 rule means your purchase settles three business days after you buy. To be on the register by May 15, buy by approximately May 9. Do not leave this until the week of May 12.
FY2025 Results — Flat Profit, Record Dividend
The headline numbers
Stanbic Holdings raised its dividend per share for the fourth straight year to KES 22.35 per share even as net profit for the financial year ended December 2025 remained flat at KES 13.72 billion.
Total operating income declined 3.1% to KES 38.51 billion, with both net interest income and non-interest revenue contracting. The result was rescued by a sharp reduction in credit impairment charges, which fell 47.5% to KES 1.63 billion — the group’s credit loss ratio falling to a record low of 0.6%.
| Metric | FY2024 | FY2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit after tax | KES 13.72B | KES 13.72B | Flat |
| Total operating income | KES 39.7B | KES 38.51B | -3.1% |
| Net interest income | KES 24.3B | KES 24.08B | -1.0% |
| Non-interest revenue | KES 15.4B | KES 14.43B | -6.4% |
| Credit impairment charges | KES 3.10B | KES 1.63B | -47.5% |
| Total assets | KES 455B | KES 541.3B | +18.9% |
| Total dividend per share | KES 20.74 | KES 22.35 | +7.8% |
Why revenue fell but profit held
The NII decline masked a significant structural shift: the group attributes this to 225 basis points of CBR cuts, partially cushioned by active funding cost management. Non-interest revenue fell a sharper 6.4% driven by a more than 200% collapse in FX margins as the Kenya shilling stabilised near KES 129 to the dollar.
The balance sheet expanded aggressively even as interest rates declined. Total assets rose 18.9% to KES 541.3 billion, while loans and advances to customers increased 18.5% to KES 272.9 billion.
One standout: Stanbic’s share of Kenya’s diaspora remittance flows grew from 7% to 13% during the year — a meaningful new income stream that positions the bank well for 2026.
The Dividend — What Is Confirmed
Stanbic Holdings declared a total dividend of KES 22.35 per share for FY2025 — up 7.8% from KES 20.74 in 2024, the highest payout in the group’s history and part of KES 17.0 billion returned to shareholders over the last two years.
Four consecutive years of dividend growth
| Year | Interim | Final | Total DPS | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | KES 9.00 | KES 9.00 | — |
| 2023 | KES 1.84 | KES 15.62 | KES 17.46 | +94% |
| 2024 | KES 1.84 | KES 18.90 | KES 20.74 | +18.8% |
| 2025 | KES 3.80 | KES 18.55 | KES 22.35 | +7.8% |
The latest per share distribution is more than double what Stanbic paid in 2022. The total distribution amounts to KES 8.83 billion — 64.4% of net profit — the highest in the company’s history.
How Much Will You Earn — Complete Earnings Table
Net earnings after 5% withholding tax. The KES 3.80 interim was already paid in October 2025. The table below shows what qualifying shareholders will receive as the final dividend in June 2026, and the total annual income for full-year holders.
| Shares held | Investment at KES 257.75 | Net final dividend (KES 18.55) | Net total annual (KES 22.35) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 shares | KES 12,888 | KES 881 | KES 1,062 |
| 100 shares | KES 25,775 | KES 1,762 | KES 2,123 |
| 200 shares | KES 51,550 | KES 3,525 | KES 4,247 |
| 500 shares | KES 128,875 | KES 8,811 | KES 10,616 |
| 1,000 shares | KES 257,750 | KES 17,622 | KES 21,233 |
Tax note: 5% withholding tax is deducted automatically before payment. No filing required — it is a final tax for Kenyan resident individuals.
Investment context: At KES 257.75 per share, 100 shares requires approximately KES 25,775. The net final dividend of KES 1,762 on that investment represents a 6.8% return from the final dividend alone — or 8.2% on the full year’s dividend for investors who held through the October interim payment too.
Is the Stanbic Dividend Sustainable?
This is the most important question, and the honest answer is: yes, with one caveat.
The core payout ratio of 64.4% is among the highest in the NSE banking sector. Stanbic retains approximately 36% of profits for growth and capital. The dividend could be maintained even if profits fell by 36% — a reasonable buffer.
What protects the dividend: The balance sheet grew 19% to KES 541 billion — the largest single-year expansion in Stanbic’s history — creating a significantly larger base for future income generation. The NPL ratio of 8.0% is well below the industry average, and the credit loss ratio fell to a record low 0.6%.
The watch point: Revenue headwinds are real. Total income declined 3.1% YoY as non-interest revenue fell 6.4%. If CBK rate cuts continue compressing margins in 2026 without a corresponding reduction in provisions, profit pressure could build. That said, at a 64% payout ratio, profits would need to fall considerably before the dividend is threatened.
Leadership note: Stanbic Bank Kenya appointed Abraham Ongenge as Acting Chief Executive in March 2026. New leadership sometimes brings strategic reviews including dividend policy. The first major communication from the new CEO — expected with H1 2026 results — is worth watching.
Stanbic vs NSE Banking Peers
| Bank | Total DPS | Yield | Payout ratio | FY2025 profit | Book close |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCB Group | KES 7.00 | ~10.3% | 33% | +11% | April 2 ✅ Passed |
| Equity Group | KES 5.75 | ~8.0% | 29% | +55% | May 22, 2026 ✅ |
| Stanbic Holdings | KES 22.35 | ~8.7% | 64.4% | Flat | May 15, 2026 ✅ |
| COOP Bank | KES 2.50 | ~8.3% | 35% | Strong | ~May 2026 |
| Standard Chartered | TBA | ~15% | 123% | -38% | ~April/May 2026 |
Stanbic’s competitive position in this table is clear: confirmed book close, attractive yield, and a far safer payout ratio than Standard Chartered’s alarming 123%. For income investors who want high yield without excessive payout risk, Stanbic remains one of the most compelling cases on the NSE — sitting between KCB’s ultra-safe 33% and Standard Chartered’s dangerously elevated 123%.
Should You Buy Before the May 15 Book Close?
The bull case at KES 257.75: The share is just 1% below its all-time high of KES 260.00, but the dividend window is still open. At 8.7% yield with a confirmed book close and four consecutive years of dividend growth, Stanbic offers income investors a well-structured return with clear dates to plan around.
Our valuation framework:
| Share price | Yield on KES 22.35 | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Below KES 200 | Above 11.2% | Very attractive |
| KES 200–240 | 9.3–11.2% | Attractive |
| KES 240–270 | 8.3–9.3% | Fair value — current range |
| Above KES 270 | Below 8.3% | Premium — monitor |
At KES 257.75, Stanbic sits at the upper end of fair value. The yield of 8.7% is decent but not exceptional given where the share price has run. Investors buying specifically for this dividend are paying a price that already reflects strong recent performance. Those with a longer-term view — holding through the next dividend cycle and beyond — have a more straightforward case.
The caution: At a 64% payout ratio with flat profits, Stanbic has less room for dividend growth in 2026 unless revenue recovers. The share has already gained 53% over the past year, meaning much of the easy upside is priced in.
How to Buy Stanbic Holdings Shares
You need a CDS account and a licensed NSE stockbroker. The fastest route is via the Mali App or Hisa App — download, register, deposit via M-Pesa, search SBIC, and buy. If already registered, the process takes about five minutes.
Entry cost note: At KES 257.75 per share, 100 shares requires approximately KES 25,775 plus brokerage fees of KES 350–450. This is a higher entry price than KCB (KES 68) or COOP (KES 30) but the higher absolute dividend per share (KES 18.55 final vs KES 3.00 for KCB) reflects this. Plan your capital accordingly.
Buy deadline: May 9, 2026 for T+3 settlement to clear by the May 15 book close.
FAQ
What is the Stanbic Holdings dividend 2026? KES 22.35 total — KES 3.80 interim already paid in October 2025, and KES 18.55 final dividend proposed for payment approximately June 2026. Net after 5% withholding tax: KES 21.23 per share total, or KES 17.62 for the final dividend only.
When is the Stanbic Holdings book close 2026? May 15, 2026 — confirmed from the official Stanbic Holdings FY2025 results announcement. Buy by approximately May 9 for T+3 settlement.
When will the final dividend be paid? Approximately June 2026, following AGM approval. The dividend is paid automatically to the bank account registered on your CDS account.
Is the 64% payout ratio a concern? It is the highest payout ratio among the four major NSE bank dividend payers. It is not alarming — the dividend is still covered by earnings — but it leaves less cushion than KCB (33%) or Equity (29%). If profits decline in 2026, Stanbic may face pressure to hold the dividend flat rather than grow it.
How does Stanbic compare to Standard Chartered? Standard Chartered yields approximately 15% but with a 123% payout ratio after a 38% profit decline — the company is paying out more than it earns. Stanbic yields 8.7% with a 64% payout ratio and flat rather than falling profits. For investors prioritising dividend safety alongside high yield, Stanbic is the stronger choice.
What are Stanbic’s next results? H1 2026 results are expected around August 2026, at which point an interim dividend for the next cycle may also be announced.
More NSE Dividend Guides
- KCB Dividend 2026 — record KES 7.00, payment ~May 22
- Equity Bank Dividend 2026 — record KES 5.75, book close May 22 ⚠️ Act by May 16
- BAT Kenya Dividend 2026 — record KES 70, book close May 8 ⚠️ Act by May 2
- NSE Dividend Calendar 2026 — all NSE payment dates in one place
- Best Kenyan Stocks 2026 — top 10 NSE picks by dividend and value
- How to Invest in NSE Kenya 2026 — open a CDS account from KES 5,000
FY2025 results confirmed from official Stanbic Holdings announcement. Book close May 15, 2026 — verified from official company results commentary. Share price KES 257.75 as at April 8, 2026 — verify current price at nse.co.ke before investing. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.