Guinness Nigeria Plc recorded a 53 per cent increase in profit after tax to N25.3bn in the first half of 2026, while revenue rose to approximately N265bn.
The company disclosed this during its H1 2026 Investors and Analysts Call, where Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Girish Sharma; Finance & Strategy Director, Mayank Kabra; and Corporate Relations & Legal Director, Rotimi Odusola, provided an update on the company’s financial performance and outlook.
Net sales value increased by almost 12 per cent, while operating profit grew by 15 per cent. Gross profit and operating margins stood at approximately 37 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively.
Guinness Nigeria also recorded an improvement in its balance sheet during the period. Shareholders’ equity increased from N43.3bn to N64.2bn, while net debt declined from approximately N37bn to about N19bn.
Speaking during the call, Sharma said the company’s financial position had improved significantly.
“We have made significant progress in strengthening our financial position while continuing to invest in the growth of the business. The days of operating with a weak balance sheet are behind us.
Today, we are in a much stronger position to pursue growth, improve returns and create sustainable value for our shareholders and other stakeholders.”
During the first half of the year, Guinness Nigeria deployed almost N20bn in capital expenditure across strategic growth initiatives, manufacturing and infrastructure. It also returned approximately N20bn to shareholders through dividends.
The company said it continued to operate amid inflationary pressures, weaker consumer purchasing power and foreign exchange volatility.
Its growth initiatives include the introduction of new Guinness FES and Guinness Smooth 440ml formats, expansion of Malta Guinness across open markets and modern trade, the introduction of Orijin in PET packaging, and continued growth in the ready-to-drink category through Smirnoff Ice.
Guinness Nigeria has a national distribution network comprising 390 key distributors, breweries in Lagos and Benin, and distribution and logistics infrastructure across the country.
Sharma said the company would continue to balance growth with financial discipline.
“Our focus is not simply on growing bigger, but on building a stronger, more efficient and more sustainable business. With a healthier balance sheet, strong brands, an extensive route to market and continued investment behind our growth priorities, we are better positioned to navigate the operating environment and capture the opportunities ahead.”
Guinness Nigeria said it remained focused on delivering sustainable growth, strengthening returns and creating long-term value for its shareholders and stakeholders.
SOURCE: PUNCH
