Economy
Aradel Revenue Jumps 238.8% to N123bn, PAT Rises 170% to N19.2bn
By Adedapo Adesanya
Aradel Holdings Plc witnessed a 238.8 per cent revenue increase in the first nine months of 2023 ended on September 30 to N123.0 billion from N36.3 million in the same period of 2022.
The growth was driven by its crude oil revenue, which accounted for 45.5 per cent of total revenue as it increased to N55.9 billion, comparatively there were no crude sales for the corresponding period in 2022.
According to the financial statement seen by Business Post, the improvement was attributed to the improved utilisation of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), an impact from reduced crude theft losses through the TNP in addition to the value captured through the Alternative Crude Evacuation (ACE) channel.
Gas revenue recorded a 67.8 per cent increase, amounting to N6.3 billion representing 5.1 per cent of total revenue. This reflected an increase in production volumes in contrast to N3.7 billion in 2022 which then accounted for 10.3 per cent of total revenue.
There was an 86.7 per cent increase in refined products (49.4 per cent of the total) to N60.8 billion versus N32.6 billion or 89.7 per cent of total revenue in the preceding period due to increased sales volumes of 126.2 mmlitres up by 66.7 per cent (9M 2022: 75.7 mmlitres).
The energy company saw its gross profit increase by 213.4 per cent to N70.3 billion from 22.4 billion which resulted in an operating profit of N40.2 billion against last year’s N15.9 billion. There was a decline of 19.5 per cent in other income to N0.3 billion versus N0.4 billion due to exchange losses recorded from the fluctuation in the country’s FX rate.
Aradel recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N37.4 billion, up 117.4 per cent year-on-year from N17.2 billion. Income tax expense estimate of N18.2 billion (cash tax of n6.6 billion and deferred tax of N11.6 billion), while the Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 170.1 per cent to N19.2 billion from the N7.1 billion published in 9M 2022.
In terms of its operations, crude oil production rose 148.1 per cent from 3,584 barrels per day to 8,893 barrels per day.
For gas production, it increased by 25.1 per cent to 22.4 million standard cubic feet per day (or 3,949 barrels of oil equivalent per day) compared to 17.8 Mmillion standard cubic feet per day(3,157 barrels of oil equivalent per day) while refined petroleum products sold 126.2 mmlitres, up 66.7 per cent year-on-year from 75.7 mmlitres).
Speaking on the result, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Mr Adegbite Falade, said, “The first nine months of 2023 have been a period of significant progress and growth for our company, despite the challenging macro-economic environment. We commenced production in two new wells (Well-12 and Well-13) during the period, which has significantly boosted our crude oil and gas production.
“This, coupled with an increase in refined product output, has led to a year-on-year increase in our overall production volumes.”
On the challenges, he pointed out that, “We also experienced exchange losses due to foreign exchange volatility and a formal devaluation of the Naira, symptomatic of the general business environment. These have, however, been offset by our increased operational performance and strong revenue growth.
“I am delighted to report that our profit after tax increased by 170.1 per cent during the period. This significant increase in profitability, despite the higher depreciation and exchange losses, demonstrates the underlying strength of our operations and the success of our growth strategy.”
“We remain committed to delivering value to our stakeholders and are confident in our ability to continue to grow and succeed in the future,” he added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Last week, on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, investors transacted 3.860 billion stocks worth N128.581 billion in 240,463 deals versus the 3.087 billion stocks valued at N81.505 billion traded in 222,185 deals in the preceding week.
In the five-day trading week, financial equities led the activity chart with 2.188 billion units valued at N50.459 billion in 94,005 deals, contributing 56.68 per cent and 39.24 per cent to the total trading volume and value, respectively.
Services stocks followed with 466.771 million units worth N4.495 billion in 18,526 deals, and ICT shares sold 377.800 million units for N9.049 billion in 25,653 deals.
Chams, Access Holdings, and Universal Insurance were the most active in the week with 664.942 million units valued at N6.801 billion in 15,161 deals, contributing 17.23 per cent and 5.29 per cent to the total trading volume and value apiece.
Business Post reports that 71 equities appreciated during the week versus 44 equities in the previous week, as 35 stocks depreciated compared with 49 stocks a week earlier, while 42 shares closed flat versus 55 shares in the preceding week.
RT Briscoe was the biggest price gainer with a price appreciation of 60.69 per cent to close at N12.63, Zichis gained 60.38 per cent to trade at N6.72, Abbey Mortgage Bank chalked up 59.04 per cent to settle at N14.95, Union Dicon expanded by 49.14 per cent to N13.05, and Austin Laz grew by 38.46 per cent to N5.40.
Conversely, Deap Capital was the biggest price loser after giving up 27.37 per cent to quote at N6.82, Union Homes REIT lost 26.99 per cent to finish at N69.25, Red Star Express declined by 17.55 per cent to N17.15, UPDC REIT shrank by 12.29 per cent to N7.85, and Cornerstone Insurance tumbled by 12.24 per cent to N5.45.
From the above data, the week was under buying pressure, which raised the All-Share Index (ASI) and the market capitalisation by 3.84 per cent to 171,727.49 points and N110.235 trillion, respectively.
Similarly, all other indices finished higher with the exception of the insurance index, which depreciated by 2.33 per cent due to sell-offs.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Leading cement maker, Dangote Cement Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to making Africa fully self‑sufficient in cement production by raising its output to 90 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030 from the current 52 million metric tonnes per annum.
The chief executive of the firm, Mr Arvind Pathak, during a strategic briefing on the company’s expansion drive, disclosed that efforts are being made to accelerate investments across African markets to close supply gaps and support the continent’s infrastructural ambitions.
According to him, the organisation is strengthening the continent’s industrial backbone and reducing reliance on imported construction materials, stressing that, “Our vision is clear — to ensure Africa produces enough cement to meet its own needs…Through continuous expansion, operational excellence, and a strong distribution network, we are positioning Dangote Cement to power growth across the continent. We are not just building a business; we are building Africa’s future.”
“Through our collective determination, we have eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and transformed the country into a net exporter of cement to several neighbouring nations,” Mr Pathak added.
Dangote Cement currently operates in multiple African countries, with integrated plants, grinding facilities, and distribution hubs strategically located to serve diverse markets.
The company’s ongoing projects include plant upgrades, capacity expansions, and the introduction of advanced energy‑efficient technologies designed to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.
Reinforcing the company’s long-term vision, its founder, Mr Aliko Dangote, described self-sufficiency as both an economic imperative and a continental responsibility.
“Africa has no reason to depend on cement imports. We have the raw materials, the talent, and the determination. Our goal at Dangote Cement is to unlock Africa’s potential by ensuring that every nation on this continent can access affordable, high‑quality cement produced within Africa. This is how we build prosperity, job opportunities, and sustainable development,” the businessman stated.
Mr Dangote added that the company’s investments reflect its passion for unlocking continental competitiveness and fostering industrialisation across Africa.
With major infrastructural projects rising across African cities — from highways and bridges to housing developments — the demand for cement continues to grow. Dangote Cement’s renewed push toward continental self‑sufficiency is expected to address supply challenges, stabilise prices, and enhance construction reliability in the years ahead.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange appreciated by 0.46 per cent on Friday, February 6, with the market capitalisation expanding by N10.2 billion to N2.207 trillion from the N2.197 trillion quoted in the previous session, while the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) grew by 17.06 points to 3,689.72 points from the previous session’s 3,672.66 points.
The expansion was buoyed by the price appreciation recorded by two securities, which overpowered the declines recorded by four securities.
Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) increased its value during the session by N4.83 to N53.50 per unit from N48.67 per unit, and IPWA Plc gained 19 Kobo to sell at N2.36 per share versus Thursday’s closing price of N2.17 per share.
On the flip side, Okitipupa Plc lost N10.77 to trade at N220.00 per unit compared with the previous price of N230.77 per unit, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc depreciated by N3.10 to N60.00 per share from N63.10 per share, Geo-Fluids Plc shed 45 Kobo to close at N4.30 per unit versus N4.75 per unit, and Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) weakened by 5 Kobo to 54 Kobo per share from 59 Kobo per share.
A look at the trading data showed that there was a 67.9 per cent drop in the volume of trades to 384,784 units from 1.2 million units, but the value of transactions went up by 33.5 per cent to N16.1 million from N12.0 million, and the number of deals increased by 4.4 per cent to 24 deals from 23 deals.
CSCS Plc ended the day as the most traded stock by value on a year-to-date basis with 16.3 million units exchanged for N667.6 million, followed by FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc with 1.8 million units sold for N117.9 million, and Geo-Fluids Plc with 12.4 million units worth N79.5 million.
CSCS Plc also closed the session as the most active stock by volume on a year-to-date basis with 16.3 million units valued at N667.6 million, followed by Mass Telecom Innovation Plc with 13.7 million units worth N5.5 million, and Geo-Fluids Plc with 12.3 million units traded for N79.5 million.
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