Crested Capital flags top performing stocks

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Crested Capital, a financial services firm providing investment advisory services, has identified four companies listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) that have generated total shareholder returns exceeding 25% year-to-date.

Describing them as the new 'Black Diamonds' at the bourse, the category ranks locally listed firms outperforming Uganda’s fixed income market for the period January to April. Currently, treasury Bills offer yields between 10.25% and 14.75% and bonds range from 15% to 17%.

“Four counters made it to the Crested Capital Black Diamond list registering total shareholder return above 25% in the period. These are: Airtel Uganda, QCIL, Stanbic Uganda, and Bank of Baroda Uganda,” the report reads in part.

Airtel topped the list with a 74.21% total shareholder returns, driven by a 60.62% capital gain and an 8.47% dividend yield. Quality Chemicals Industrial Limited (QCIL) followed with a 50.71% total shareholder returns, a 34.65% price rally and an 11.35% dividend yield.

Stanbic Holdings and Bank of Baroda Uganda secured the third and fourth spots with 32.13% and 26.93% total shareholder returns respectively.

MTN, Umeme Drop Off List

MTN and Umeme fell short of the 25% threshold, posting total shareholder returns of 15.15% and 6.27% respectively.

However, MTN remains in focus as its parent company, MTN Group SA, plans to spin off its fintech operations in Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana by mid-2025. Analysts speculate the move could trigger a special dividend for shareholders.

Crested Capital also flagged dfcu Limited and MTN as ones to watch in Q2 2025. dfcu’s share price climbed 6.22% to sh239, aided by a 123% dividend hike to sh20.09 per share. MTN, despite a slight price dip maintained an 8.31% dividend yield.