Lafarge sees Q3 profit rise 144% to N75bn

Lafarge Africa Plc has reported a 144 per cent increase in its profit after tax to N75bn for the third quarter of 2025, compared to N30.7bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, driven by higher sales volume.

According to the company’s unaudited financial statements released on Wednesday, Lafarge’s net sales rose 43 per cent to N264bn in the third quarter of 2025 from N183.9bn in the same period last year, reflecting strong demand, improved plant reliability, and sustained market growth.

The company’s operating profit for the quarter also grew 107 per cent to N106bn, compared to N51.1bn recorded in the third quarter of 2024, while its operating margin increased to 40 per cent from 28 per cent in the previous year.

Similarly, profit before tax stood at N113.5bn, representing a 138 per cent increase compared to N47.7bn in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Earnings per share rose 144 per cent to N4.66 from N1.91 reported in the same period last year.

For the nine months ended September 2025, Lafarge Africa recorded total net sales of N780.5bn, a 63 per cent year-on-year growth from N479.5bn in 2024. The company’s operating profit rose 129 per cent to N298.4bn, while profit after tax surged 246 per cent to N207.8bn, compared to N60.1bn in the same period of 2024.

The company attributed the strong performance to efficiency gains, volume growth, and strategic market positioning.

Commenting on the results, the Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said the company’s impressive third-quarter performance reflects its resilience and focus on operational excellence.

He said, “Building on the performance from previous quarters, our third-quarter results showcase cost discipline, strategic market positioning, unwavering commitment to value creation, and strong operational efficiency – demonstrated by a seven per cent year-on-year improvement in capacity utilisation.

“We closed the third quarter with net sales up 43 per cent, operating profit up 107 per cent, and profit after tax of N75bn. Our nine-month performance reaffirms our resilience, underpinned by sustained volume growth, operational excellence, innovative product offerings, and agile response to market opportunities.”

Alade-Akinyemi added that the company remains confident in its strategic direction despite the dynamic macroeconomic environment, noting that Lafarge is well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities and deliver long-term value to shareholders.

During the quarter, Lafarge Africa also launched ECOCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon ready-mix concrete. The innovative product, designed to deliver at least a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions while maintaining high performance, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and greener construction practices.

The launch of ECOCrete follows the second-quarter introduction of ECOPlanet, a low-carbon cement product that has gained traction in the Western market and accounted for over 50 per cent of total cement sales in the region during the third quarter.

The CEO expressed gratitude to employees, customers, and stakeholders for their continued confidence and contribution to the company’s success, emphasising Lafarge Africa’s focus on driving sustainable growth and maintaining industry-leading standards in health, safety, and environmental performance.

He said, “In an evolving macroeconomic landscape, our people and partners remain at the heart of our success. Their commitment and belief in our purpose strengthen our resolve to build progress for people and the planet.”