AIICO, Ikeja Hotel, Fidson Lead Stock Picks for the Week

Nigeria’s stock market recorded a short trading week after Friday was observed as a public holiday for this year’s Good Friday celebration. Despite the limited sessions, the market closed slightly higher, with the all-share index rising by 0.4 per cent, supported mainly by gains in banking stocks.

Investors and market analysts are still waiting for the audited 2025 results of some major lenders, including First HoldCo, Access Holdings and Zenith Bank. These results are expected to shape market movement in the coming days.

Analysts at Meristem Securities said bargain hunting in fundamentally strong stocks may increase as a new quarter begins, especially as investors continue portfolio rebalancing.

Based on market analysis, several stocks stand out this week for their strong fundamentals and recent corporate actions. This is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation, but a guide for investors who want to take more informed positions in the market. Investors are advised to speak with a financial adviser before making decisions.

AIICO Insurance

AIICO Insurance leads the list after posting solid 2025 results and proposing a dividend of 12 kobo per share for the 2025 financial year. This represents a 41.7 per cent increase from what it paid in the previous year. The company’s net profit ratio stands at 11.8, its price-to-earnings ratio is 8.6 times, and its relative strength index is 52.3.

Ikeja Hotel

Ikeja Hotel also makes the list on the back of strong 2025 performance and a proposed final dividend of 33 kobo per share. This is higher than the 15 kobo paid for the same period a year earlier. The company’s net profit ratio is 53.9, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.7 times and a relative strength index of 43.7.

Fidson Healthcare

Fidson Healthcare was selected after proposing a 50 per cent increase in dividend for the 2025 financial year compared to the previous year. The company has a net profit ratio of 8.3, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.1 times, and a relative strength index of 49.7.

Custodian Investment

Custodian Investment earned a place on the list after announcing a final dividend of N2.50 per share for the 2025 financial year. This is more than double what it paid shareholders in the previous year. Its net profit ratio stands at 30.1, while the price to earnings ratio is 5 times and the relative strength index is 54.5.

Mecure Industries

Mecure Industries is also among the week’s picks because of its strong fundamentals. The pharmaceutical company has a net profit ratio of 8.3, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.1 times, and a relative strength index of 0.