Unilever Nigeria Profit Rises by 225%, Declares Interim Dividend
Unilever Nigeria Plc boosted its earnings performance in the first half of 2025 as the consumer goods company grew revenue. Details from its half-year financial results showed that profit surged by 224.6% year-on-year to settle at N14.4 billion in the first half of 2025 from N4.44 billion in the comparable period in 2024.
Hence, earnings per share increased to N2.51 from 77 kobo in the equivalent period in 2024. Revenue surged by 53.5% year on year to N98.10 billion in the first half of 2025, up from N63.91 billion reported in the comparable period in 2024.
The consumer goods company revenue performance reflects price actions implemented between H2-24 and Q1-25, when compared to prices in Q2-24, according to Cordros Securities Limited.
The consumer goods company costs of sales inched higher sharply, but at a slow rate compared with revenue growth, which left gross margin stronger year on year. In the first half, Unilever Nigeria Plc costs of sales increased to N55.98 billion, up by 48.50% year on year from N37.69 billion in the previous period.
In addition to other overhead, the company’s operating expenses surged by 21.9% to N24.01 billion in the first six months of operation in 2025, compared with N19.70 billion reported in the equivalent period in 2024.
Net finance costs increased by 89% year on year, settling at N5.34 billion due to higher borrowings from N2.83 billion in the first half of 2024. Unilever Nigeria Plc pre-tax profit spiked to N24.15 billion in the first half of 2025, representing 284% year on year growth from N6.28 billion, reflecting the impacts of turnover growth.
The consumer goods company ended the first six months with profit after tax of N14.41 billion, a significant increase of 224.6% from N4.44 billion posted in the equivalent period in 2024.
Following the stellar performance, the company declared an interim dividend of NGN0.50 kobo for every ordinary share of 50 kobo each, supported by sustained growth in cash, up by +22.3% to N83.70 billion from N68.44 billion
Analysts said Unilever Nigeria’s ability to successfully implement price hikes and also achieve moderate volume expansion reflects the company’s brand superiority (given consumers’ increased sensitivity to prices changes) and deeper market penetration.
With cost optimization measures in place, analysts at Cordros Securities Limited said they believe Unilever Nigeria is well positioned to sustain this performance for the rest of 2025, amid the improving macro conditions—disinflation trend and currency stability. #Unilever Nigeria Profit Rises by 225%, Declares Interim Dividend CBN Raises N1.5trn from OMO Bills at Interest Rate of 23.87%
