CEC’s share price continues on a downward trend despite approving dividends

The Copperbelt Energy Cooperation Plc (CEC)’s share price has continued to record a drop on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LUSE) despite the company posting positive interim financial results for the first half of 2026.

According to information seen by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), CEC’s profit increased to $380.3 million in 2026, up from $360 million recorded in 2025, reflecting 5.6% growth.

Further, the company is reported to have recorded a profit of $61.6 million, compared to $61.5 million in the corresponding period in 2025, with the Board approving an interim dividend of US Cents 4.0 per ordinary share, which translates to K0.7618 per share.

However, despite the company having positive financials, a check by the Zambian Business Times—from the Stockbrokers Zambia report for the market period ending 4 September—shows that CEC was the largest market turnover contributor by 41.13% even though the price dropped by 0.1%, with the price closing at K15.5.

According to a well-known broker whose name remains withheld from the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, CEC recording the highest market turnover on the exchange is a clear indication of investors purchasing shares in the company to be able to benefit from the dividends approved.

“The positive market turnover seen in CEC can be mainly attributed to more investors purchasing a share in the stock to be able to benefit from the 4.0 US dollar cents approved as dividends,” noted the source.

Article by Justine Phiri