Cadbury Nigeria Plc staged a strong turnaround in 2025, posting a profit before tax of N17.2 billion, a sharp reversal from the N28.3 billion loss recorded in the previous year, driven by higher sales, tighter cost control and a steep drop in foreign exchange losses.
The recovery was disclosed in the company’s unaudited financial statements filed on January 27, 2026, and capped a year of steadily improving performance.
Momentum strengthened in the fourth quarter, with pre-tax profit rising 68.6 per cent to N3.4 billion, compared with N2.04 billion in the same period of 2024.
Revenue climbed 31.5 per cent year-on-year to N169.8 billion, up from N129.1 billion in 2024, supported largely by domestic sales, which accounted for 93.1 per cent of total turnover.
While the cost of sales increased to N133.2 billion, revenue growth outpaced costs, lifting gross profit to N36.5 billion, more than double the N18.2 billion recorded a year earlier.
Operating income surged 244.7 per cent to N20.5 billion, reflecting improved pricing, higher volumes and better operating efficiency.
A major boost to earnings came from a sharp reduction in finance costs. Net finance costs fell to N3.2 billion, from N34.2 billion in 2024, as foreign exchange losses eased significantly.
After recognising an income tax credit of N5.1 billion, profit after tax stood at N12.08 billion.
Total assets rose 13.4 per cent to N82.1 billion, driven by higher inventories and stable investment in property, plant and equipment.
Shareholders’ equity expanded to N16.4 billion, from N4.3 billion in 2024, supported by improved earnings and reduced borrowings. Total liabilities declined to N65.6 billion, as borrowings fell to N22.8 billion from N32.8 billion.
Although retained losses remain elevated at N25.2 billion, they narrowed significantly from N37.2 billion in the prior year.
Cadbury’s 2025 results signal a decisive recovery after a difficult 2024, underpinned by stronger core operations and easing currency pressures. While exposure to foreign exchange risk remains a key watch point, improved cost discipline and a healthier balance sheet position the company for more stable earnings going forward.
On the Nigerian Exchange, Cadbury shares are up 12.9 per cent year-to-date, trading at N67.60.
