Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) has reported a profit-before-tax margin expansion to 31.2 per cent for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, despite a decline in revenue and earnings, as cost optimisation and operational efficiency helped sustain profitability amid persistent constraints in Nigeria’s power sector.
The conglomerate, listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) as TRANSCORP, recorded revenue of ₦357.4 billion, down 13.3 per cent from ₦412.4 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
Profit before tax declined to ₦111.4 billion from ₦124.5 billion, while profit after tax fell to ₦75.1 billion from ₦91.4 billion, according to the company’s unaudited nine-month financial results.
Earnings per share also dropped to 429 kobo from 534 kobo a year earlier, reflecting the lower bottom-line earnings.
However, the group’s profit-before-tax margin improved to 31.2 per cent from 30.2 per cent, indicating that the company retained a greater proportion of revenue as pre-tax profit despite the decline in turnover.
Power constraints weigh on revenue
Transcorp attributed the revenue decline largely to lower power evacuation at Transcorp Power Plc, following industry-wide transmission and gas supply constraints that limited electricity output during the period.
Owen D. Omogiafo, president and group chief executive officer of Transcorp, said the results reflected the resilience of the group’s diversified portfolio and its capacity to sustain profitability in a challenging operating environment.
“Our performance reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio and our ability to sustain strong profitability and expand margins in a challenging operating environment,” Omogiafo said.
She added that the group was working with stakeholders to address industry-wide constraints and improve electricity delivery, while leveraging its hospitality investments to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a destination for business, tourism and major events.
According to the group chief executive, Transcorp would continue to pursue growth opportunities across its businesses, deepen its contribution to the Nigerian economy and deliver sustainable value to shareholders.
Balance sheet strengthens
Beyond its earnings performance, Transcorp recorded substantial growth in its balance sheet, with total assets rising by 13 per cent to ₦1.13 trillion as of September 30, 2026, from ₦1.00 trillion at the end of December 2025.
Total equity increased by 9.7 per cent to ₦387.8 billion from ₦353.4 billion, strengthening the group’s capital base.
Cash and cash equivalents more than doubled to ₦45.9 billion from ₦21.9 billion at the end of 2025, improving liquidity and providing additional financial flexibility for investment and other strategic priorities.
Festus Izevbizua, group chief financial officer, said the growth in assets was driven by improved receivables, investments in financial assets and stronger cash generation.
“Our financial position also strengthened considerably over the period,” Izevbizua said, adding that the growth in equity reinforced the group’s capital base.
He noted further that the improvement in the profit-before-tax margin reflected deliberate cost optimisation and operational efficiency across the group’s businesses, notwithstanding the effect of power evacuation constraints on revenue.
Hotels business delivers growth
Transcorp’s hospitality subsidiary, Transcorp Hotels Plc, recorded a stronger performance, with profit after tax rising by five per cent to ₦15.5 billion.
The subsidiary also expanded its net profit margin to 22.3 per cent and reduced net finance cost by 36 per cent, reflecting improved earnings performance and lower financing pressure.
Its total assets increased by 29 per cent to ₦206.8 billion, underscoring the scale of investment in the group’s hospitality operations.
The business operates the 670-room Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the 5,000-capacity Transcorp Centre, positioning it to serve corporate travellers, international visitors, government-related engagements and major events.
Transcorp Power Plc, meanwhile, grew shareholders’ funds by 8.9 per cent to ₦199.8 billion and increased cash and cash equivalents more than four-fold to ₦10.3 billion.
Outlook hinges on execution
Transcorp said it would continue to advance strategic opportunities across its power, hospitality and energy businesses, leveraging its diversified portfolio and strengthened financial position to support long-term growth and shareholder value.
The group’s power businesses, Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power, provide about 20 per cent of Nigeria’s installed power capacity, while its energy investments include OPL 281, through which the company says it is pursuing opportunities in the domestic energy value chain.
Although the nine-month results show a decline in headline earnings, the improvement in pre-tax margin, growth in total assets and equity, and stronger cash position point to resilience in the group’s underlying operations.
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