Top 10 Nigerian companies with largest cash in bank, H1 2026

Nigerian listed companies are sitting on increasingly large cash reserves. The ten biggest cash holders ended H1 2026 with a combined N3.65 trillion in cash and cash equivalents, up from N2.31 trillion in H1 2025, an increase of 58.10%.

The figures come from unaudited half-year financial statements filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for the period ended June 30, 2026, compiled by Nairametrics Research. Cash and cash equivalents cover funds in bank accounts and highly liquid short-term investments that can be accessed immediately. They show a company's ability to meet obligations, invest in growth, or withstand shocks. The data compares operating profit, profit before tax, profit after tax, and net cash from operating activities against H1 2025, while cash balances and quick ratios are compared with full-year 2025.

From Presco to BUA Foods

Presco Plc ranks 10th with N129.86 billion in cash, down 53.57% from N279.69 billion at full-year 2025. The company still has a quick ratio of 2.78x, down from 3.82x. Operating profit was N126.48 billion, down 2.56% from N129.80 billion a year earlier. Profit after tax fell 7.27% to N82.27 billion from N88.72 billion. Net cash from operating activities rose 21.47% to N68.08 billion.

BUA Foods Plc holds N149.52 billion, up 165.27% from N56.36 billion at full-year 2025, the largest percentage cash build among the top ten. Operating profit rose 12.53% to N320.52 billion, profit before tax rose 14.04% to N314.88 billion, and profit after tax rose 12.38% to N292.27 billion. Net cash from operating activities grew 12.58% to N162.18 billion. The quick ratio strengthened to 1.84x from 1.36x.

Julius Berger, International Breweries, BUA Cement

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc holds N168.80 billion, down 12.15% from N192.15 billion at full-year 2025. Operating profit rose 84.23% to N17.38 billion, and profit before tax rose 78.62% to N23.52 billion. Profit after tax fell 14.70% to N6.06 billion due to taxation. Net cash from operating activities was still negative at N35.23 billion, but improved from negative N63.84 billion. The quick ratio is 2.38x, down from 3.03x.

International Breweries Plc holds N171.28 billion, up 10.33% from N155.24 billion at full-year 2025. Operating profit rose 24.66% to N69.88 billion, and profit before tax rose 21.55% to N74.79 billion. Profit after tax slipped 7.20% to N38.31 billion. Net cash from operating activities surged 1,089.18% to N69.52 billion from N5.85 billion. The quick ratio improved to 1.25x from 1.11x.

BUA Cement Plc holds N303.56 billion, up 8.27% from N280.38 billion at full-year 2025. Operating profit rose 51.30% to N371.27 billion, profit before tax rose 78.97% to N384.44 billion, and profit after tax rose 79.59% to N324.88 billion. The quick ratio improved to 0.81x from 0.70x. Net cash from operating activities fell 38.31% to N278.45 billion from N451.36 billion.

HBM Nigeria

HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, holds N330.64 billion, down 14.80% from N388.07 billion at full-year 2025. Operating profit rose 51.32% to N290.94 billion, and profit before tax rose 59.08% to N317.73 billion. Profit after tax reached N208.35 billion.

The jump in combined cash reserves means Nigeria's biggest listed companies have stronger balance sheets heading into the second half. That gives them more room to fund expansion, pay down debt, or cushion any economic shocks.