Unilever Nigeria Plc has released its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2026, reporting a pre-tax profit of N29.2 billion, representing a 20.8 percent year on year increase from the N24.15 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2025.

The consumer goods manufacturer’s profit after tax rose to N15.6 billion, up from N14.4 billion recorded in the same period last year, supported largely by stronger revenue performance. Turnover for the half year climbed to N119.9 billion, a 22 percent increase from N98.1 billion in H1 2025, while gross profit grew by 30 percent to N54.7 billion from N42.1 billion, pushing gross margin up to 45.6 percent.

Earnings per share also improved, rising to N2.72 from N2.51 over the same period, even as the company contended with higher finance costs and taxation that limited how much of the operating profit growth trickled down to the bottom line.

Following the performance, the company’s board approved an interim dividend of N2.00 per fifty kobo ordinary share, subject to applicable withholding tax, a payout that amounts to roughly N11.5 billion in total and represents about 73.7 percent of the company’s after tax profit for the period.

The dividend marks a fourfold increase compared to what was paid out for the same period last year and will go to shareholders whose names appear on the register of members at the close of business on July 31, 2026.

On the balance sheet, total assets stood at N177.24 billion as of June 30, 2026, a slight decline of about 1.63 percent from N180.18 billion at the end of 2025, driven mainly by a drop in cash and cash equivalents, which fell to N97.15 billion from N110.75 billion.

Even with that decline, cash remained the largest component of the company’s asset base, making up close to 55 percent of total assets at the end of the period.

Speaking on the results, the company’s Managing Director said the growth recorded across its portfolio reflects a continued focus on serving Nigerian consumers with brands considered relevant, innovative and superior, adding that the performance underscores confidence in the long term potential of the Nigerian market despite a challenging operating environment marked by rising input costs and pressure on consumer spending.

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