Guinness Nigeria Records Strong Q1 FY2026 Performance with 47% Increase in Profit After Tax

Guinness Nigeria Plc has delivered an exceptional financial performance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, characterised by a remarkable surge in profitability. The company reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₦10.39 billion, marking a 47% growth compared to the ₦7.03 billion recorded during the same period in 2025. This significant bottom-line improvement serves as a testament to the company’s operational resilience and its ability to maintain a strong market position despite the persistent inflationary pressures and macroeconomic hurdles currently facing the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

The top-line results remained steady, with revenue increasing by 4% to reach ₦122.77 billion. This growth was largely supported by robust consumer demand for the company’s diverse portfolio of beverages. However, the rising costs of raw materials and production expenses exerted some pressure on margins. Gross profit settled at ₦43.48 billion with a margin of 35.4%, a slight decrease from the 37.6% margin seen in the previous year. Similarly, operating profit saw a minor dip of 4.5%, totalling ₦17.18 billion, as the company balanced high input costs against its internal efficiency gains.

A pivotal factor in this quarter’s success was the drastic reduction in net finance costs, which plummeted from ₦7.72 billion in Q1 FY2025 to just ₦1.43 billion in Q1 FY2026. This 81% reduction highlights a highly effective balance sheet management strategy and more favourable financing arrangements. Consequently, the Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose to ₦15.75 billion, and Earnings Per Share (EPS) climbed to ₦4.74, providing a significant boost in value for the company’s shareholders.

In light of these strong results, the Board of Directors has declared an interim dividend of ₦2.00 per ordinary share, amounting to a total payout of approximately ₦4.38 billion. Shareholders on record as of the qualification date of 20 April 2026 will be eligible for this distribution, which is being handled in strict compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020. This move underscores the company’s commitment to returning value to investors even while navigating a volatile operating environment.

Management remains optimistic about the remainder of the fiscal year. Under the leadership of Chairman Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, and Managing Director Mr. Girish Sharma, Guinness Nigeria plans to maintain its positive momentum through disciplined execution and continued innovation. By focusing on cost optimisation, expanding its product offerings, and driving strategic market expansion, the company aims to sustain its growth trajectory and reinforce its status as a leader in the African beverage industry.