By Sofiyyah Layole
Lafarge Africa Plc has posted an exceptional financial performance with its Group profit after tax (PAT) skyrocketing by a remarkable 246% to reach ₦207.78 billion for the period ended September 30, 2025.
This significant achievement marks a sharp increase from the ₦60.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year, solidifying the cement manufacturer’s leadership position despite macroeconomic headwinds.
The company’s standalone profit also surged to ₦197.57 billion, up from ₦58.32 billion in 2024, reflecting improved operational efficiency and profitability. Basic earnings per share (EPS) climbed to ₦1.91 for the Group and ₦1.82 for the Company, highlighting stronger returns to shareholders.
Lafarge’s total assets grew to ₦1.03 trillion, while shareholders’ equity rose to ₦629.29 billion, buoyed by retained earnings and a stable capital base.
The company further demonstrated its commitment to shareholder value with dividend payouts totaling ₦83.13 billion during the period.
The cement manufacturer also announced major board changes, appointing five new non-executive directors, Mr. Gang Xu, Mr. Jiajun Wang, Mr. Qian Chen, Mr. Xuanqian Wang, and Mr. Lin Zhang, effective August 30, 2025. Stepping down from the board were Mr. Khaled Abdel Aziz El Dokani, Mr. Kaspar Theiler, Mr. Grant Earnshaw, Mrs. Claudia Albertini, Mr. Taner Demir, and Mr. Rajesh Surana.
On the ownership front, Caricement BV maintained its position as the largest shareholder with a 56.04 per cent stake, while Davis Peak Holdings Limited (DPHL) emerged as a new major shareholder with 27.77 per cent, taking over from Associated International Cement Ltd U.K.
The company’s free float of 16.16 per cent remains in compliance with the Nigerian Exchange Group’s Main Board requirements.
Operationally, Lafarge recorded higher production costs in line with increased output, with variable costs reaching ₦217.1 billion and fixed costs at ₦48.38 billion. Administrative expenses also rose, driven by technical service fees and personnel costs.
Despite substantial outflows from investing and financing activities, net cash generated from operations amounted to ₦91.48 billion, while cash and cash equivalents closed at ₦204.88 billion.
The company reaffirmed its adherence to IFRS standards and its Securities Trading Policy, noting that no insider trading breaches were recorded during the review period.