Unilever Nigeria grows profit by 103% to N30.74 bn

Unilever Nigeria Plc has reported a 99 per cent jump in profit after tax to N30.7 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, buoyed by strong revenue growth, improved operational efficiency and higher finance income.

Details from the company’s unaudited financial statements released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that revenue rose by 44 per cent to N214.7 billion, up from N149.5 billion recorded in 2024.

Although cost of sales climbed to N125.0 billion from N94.4 billion, reflecting elevated input costs, gross profit surged to N89.6 billion, compared to N55.1 billion in the previous year, supported by stronger sales volumes and improved margins.

The consumer goods manufacturer also recorded a sharp rise in operating performance, with operating profit more than doubling to N42.7 billion, up from N18.4 billion in 2024. This came despite higher marketing and administrative expenses, which increased to N42.4 billion from N29.6 billion. Selling and distribution costs edged up slightly to N6.7 billion from N6.2 billion.

On the finance side, the company benefitted from improved investment returns, as finance income rose to N10.3 billion from N6.8 billion, while finance costs declined to N1.2 billion from N2.5 billion. This pushed net finance income to N9.1 billion, more than double the N4.3 billion recorded in the prior year.

Consequently, profit before tax surged to N51.8 billion, compared with N22.6 billion in 2024. Income tax expense also rose to N21.1 billion from N7.5 billion, reflecting the stronger earnings performance.

Profit attributable to equity holders stood at N30.7 billion, up from N15.1 billion in the previous year, while earnings per share increased to N5.35 from N2.64, underscoring the company’s improved profitability.

Total comprehensive income for the year also climbed to N30.9 billion, compared to N14.9 billion in 2024, highlighting a solid financial turnaround for the fast-moving consumer goods company.