UACN Falls by 11.5% as Investors’ Sentiment Deteriorates
A pullback in the stock market reduced the market capitalisation of fast-moving consumer goods company UAC Nigeria (UACN) Plc below $300 billion, from its 52-week high.
UAC Nigeria Plc fell to N299.928 billion in market valuation in the Nigerian stock market as deteriorating investor sentiment triggered a selloff in consumer goods shares.
The company pulled back from its 52-week high on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), now trading about 12% below its previous high amid selloffs.
Over five trading sessions, the fast-moving consumer goods company saw its share price decline by 11.5%, closing at N102.50 on Friday, down from N115.80 last week.
A high volume of shares was transacted as investors and shareholders simultaneously reduced their holdings over two consecutive trading sessions.
As a result, the market value of UAC Nigeria Plc’s outstanding shares, totalling 2.926 billion, decreased by 11.5% to N299.928 billion at the close of the trading session on Friday.
Shareholdings
UAC Nigeria Plc has a free float of over 63%, indicating that its shares are widely held by the public rather than concentrated among significant shareholders, who collectively hold a 25.05% interest.
Themis Capital Management is the primary stakeholder, with a 20.4% shareholding, according to financial statements. Fund LP-Main NTC Kuroto possesses a 5.01% interest in UACN, as disclosed in the latest report.
Additionally, UACN directors hold 6.53% of the company’s shares, while other notable shareholders include SITLUAC LTIP (3.75%) and Dalio Property Development Limited (1.54%).
2025 Earnings Report
In 2025, UAC Nigeria Plc achieved a 90.4% year-on-year increase in net profit, rising to N16.964 billion from N8.908 billion in 2024. This growth was driven by increased sales, cost optimisation, and foreign exchange gains.
The company recorded a 64.0% year-on-year rise in revenue to N197.61 billion, supported by product price increases and volume growth, particularly in the Packaged Food & Beverage segment.
While the Animal Feeds, Packaged Food and Beverage, and Paint segments grew, Quick Service Restaurants saw a 32.4% year-on-year decline.
Despite strong top-line performance, the cost of sales increased by 52.5% and operating expenses by 49.6% during the 2025 financial year. Net finance income surged by 153.2%, largely due to a foreign exchange gain of N9.37 billion.
Consequently, profit before tax rose by 109.3% to N25.83 billion. In accordance with this performance, the income tax expense increased by 158.3% to N8.86 billion, resulting in an effective tax rate of 34.3%.
Overall, net profit rose 90.4% year on year to N16.964 billion. Additionally, UACN reported a N15.05 billion increase in its cash position, bringing the total to N40.32 billion.
Analysts said this improvement in cash flow was attributed to an increase in operating cash flow to N6.47 billion, up from N3.03 billion in the previous period. Cadbury Nigeria Short-term Momentum Masks Investors’ Reality
