Dangote Cement Plc has posted a robust financial performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, with profit after tax soaring by 85.7 per cent to N209.2 billion, compared to N112.7 billion in the same period of 2024.
According to the unaudited financial results released by the Company, earnings per share rose sharply by 84 per cent to N12.29 from N6.68 recorded in Q1 2024, underscoring strong bottom-line growth.
Group revenue rose by 21.7 per cent year-on-year to N994.7 billion, up from N817.4 billion in the prior-year period. The revenue growth was largely attributed to strategic price adjustments across several markets, aimed at countering inflationary pressures. However, pan-African revenues declined by 15.4 per cent to N322.7 billion, compared to N381.3 billion a year earlier, driven primarily by softer demand in key markets.
Despite a challenging operating environment, the Group reported a 49.2 per cent increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), which rose to N461.6 billion from N309.5 billion in Q1 2024. The EBITDA margin improved significantly to 46.4 per cent from 37.9 per cent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiencies, particularly in Nigeria.
Group sales volumes fell by 6.7 per cent to 6.6 million tonnes, down from 7.0 million tonnes in Q1 2024. The decline was attributed to weaker demand and rising inflation across major markets. Nevertheless, Dangote Cement strengthened its export operations, dispatching eight clinker shipments to Ghana and Cameroon, with export volumes up 21.2 per cent to 320 kilotonnes.
Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer Arvind Pathak said the Company’s performance demonstrated resilience in the face of persistent macroeconomic headwinds.
“Group revenue rose by 21.7 per cent to N994.7 billion, supported by strategic pricing initiatives, particularly in Nigeria where revenue grew by 53.7 per cent. We also achieved a notable improvement in profitability, with Group EBITDA increasing by 49.2 per cent to N461.6 billion,” Pathak said.
He highlighted that effective cost containment measures in Nigeria helped lift the local EBITDA margin from 49.7 per cent to 56.7 per cent.
Despite the decline in overall volumes, Pathak reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to expanding its pan-African trade footprint, emphasizing the increased use of alternative fuels, expansion of waste heat recovery infrastructure, and progress toward Dangote Cement’s medium-term decarbonisation goals.
“As we look ahead, we remain focused on sustaining profitability, boosting our export capacity, and executing strategic long-term investments to drive growth and create lasting value across Africa,” he added.
