Nestlé Nigeria Plc extended its rebound streak for a third straight quarter, posting a net profit of N50.6 billion in the first half of 2025, a sharp reversal from a N176.6 billion loss a year earlier, as the food giant capitalised on rising sales and a more stable macroeconomic backdrop.
Revenue surged 43 percent year-on-year to N581.1 billion, driven by resilient consumer demand and price adjustments, the company said in an unaudited financial statement released Tuesday.
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Operating profit more than doubled to N130.4 billion, while profit before tax climbed to N88.4 billion, swinging from a N252.5 billion pre-tax loss in the same period of 2024.
The results mark a continuation of Nestlé’s recovery that began in the final quarter of last year, after the company was battered by foreign exchange losses stemming from the naira’s devaluation and broader macro instability.
“The robust topline growth of 43% and profit after tax of N50.6 billion in H1 2025 support our return to profitability,” said CEO Wassim Elhusseini. “This performance reflects our unwavering commitment to operational excellence… and the dedication of our team to drive sustainable growth in the face of evolving challenges.”
Nestlé also reported an equity improvement of N50.6 billion, aided by an early repayment of a $20 million inter-group foreign currency loan in the second quarter—a move analysts say likely helped reduce FX-related risks in a still-volatile monetary environment.
The company, known for brands such as Milo and Maggi, has been under pressure to navigate rising input costs, shifting consumer preferences, and Nigeria’s fragile recovery from a currency crisis that more than halved the naira’s value last year.
Still, Nestlé’s latest results suggest growing resilience. Its margin improvement and cost discipline are expected to help sustain earnings momentum through the second half, barring further macro shocks.
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Looking ahead, Elhusseini said Nestlé will maintain its focus on “margin management” and innovation while continuing investments in community programs that “create sustainable value” for stakeholders.
Nestlé shares closed at N1,890 on Tuesday. The share price has gained 30 percent in recent weeks, rising 115 percent year-to-date, outpacing the consumer goods index on the Nigerian Exchange, as investors bet on improved earnings stability after last year’s rout.
