Nigerian Breweries’ Nine-Month Loss Surges 161% to N150 Billion Amid Forex Challenges and Inflation
Detailed Breakdown:
Nigerian Breweries, Nigeria’s largest beer producer, has reported a sharp increase in its net loss for the nine months ending in September 2024. The company’s net loss surged by 161% compared to the same period last year, amounting to N150 billion. This steep loss is attributed to several factors, including high inflation, exchange rate volatility, and rising input costs, as reflected in its earnings report released on Wednesday.
The devaluation of the naira and higher interest rates played significant roles in worsening the company’s financial performance. Nigerian Breweries incurred N160.5 billion in foreign exchange losses, a considerable rise from the N86.8 billion recorded a year earlier. Additionally, borrowing costs surged due to higher interest rates, further impacting the company’s profitability.
Despite these challenges, net revenue grew by 76.9% to N710.9 billion. However, the cost of sales also increased significantly, reaching N500.1 billion. Since about 40% of the company’s input costs come from imports, Nigerian Breweries is particularly vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. Selling and distribution expenses also rose, with distribution costs jumping by 63.2% to N143.1 billion.
The company’s pre-tax loss grew by 159.7% to N203 billion, while after-tax loss rose to N149.5 billion from N57.2 billion a year earlier.
To stabilize its financial position, Nigerian Breweries had launched a rights issue earlier in the year, aiming to raise N600 billion in fresh capital. The proceeds are expected to help the company reduce its foreign exchange exposure and clear overdue foreign currency obligations. The parent company, Heineken NV, is expected to take its full allotment from the rights issue to help strengthen Nigerian Breweries’ balance sheet.
However, the company’s financial health has deteriorated further, with shareholders’ fund plunging to a negative N84.5 billion by September, compared to -N19.5 billion three months earlier. This has caused Nigerian Breweries’ shares to depreciate by over 22% this year, significantly underperforming the broader Consumer Goods Index, which has returned more than 40%.
Nigerian Breweries has also taken strategic steps to diversify its product range, acquiring a majority stake in Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Limited, which adds wines, spirits, and flavored liquors to its portfolio.
Detailed Breakdown:
Nigerian Breweries, Nigeria’s largest beer producer, has reported a sharp increase in its net loss for the nine months ending in September 2024. The company’s net loss surged by 161% compared to the same period last year, amounting to N150 billion. This steep loss is attributed to several factors, including high inflation, exchange rate volatility, and rising input costs, as reflected in its earnings report released on Wednesday.
The devaluation of the naira and higher interest rates played significant roles in worsening the company’s financial performance. Nigerian Breweries incurred N160.5 billion in foreign exchange losses, a considerable rise from the N86.8 billion recorded a year earlier. Additionally, borrowing costs surged due to higher interest rates, further impacting the company’s profitability.
Despite these challenges, net revenue grew by 76.9% to N710.9 billion. However, the cost of sales also increased significantly, reaching N500.1 billion. Since about 40% of the company’s input costs come from imports, Nigerian Breweries is particularly vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. Selling and distribution expenses also rose, with distribution costs jumping by 63.2% to N143.1 billion.
The company’s pre-tax loss grew by 159.7% to N203 billion, while after-tax loss rose to N149.5 billion from N57.2 billion a year earlier.
To stabilize its financial position, Nigerian Breweries had launched a rights issue earlier in the year, aiming to raise N600 billion in fresh capital. The proceeds are expected to help the company reduce its foreign exchange exposure and clear overdue foreign currency obligations. The parent company, Heineken NV, is expected to take its full allotment from the rights issue to help strengthen Nigerian Breweries’ balance sheet.
However, the company’s financial health has deteriorated further, with shareholders’ fund plunging to a negative N84.5 billion by September, compared to -N19.5 billion three months earlier. This has caused Nigerian Breweries’ shares to depreciate by over 22% this year, significantly underperforming the broader Consumer Goods Index, which has returned more than 40%.
Nigerian Breweries has also taken strategic steps to diversify its product range, acquiring a majority stake in Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Limited, which adds wines, spirits, and flavored liquors to its portfolio.