By Kunle SHONUGA
Nestlé Nigeria Plc says it has posted a net profit of N12.8 billion in the first quarter of 2019 compared to N 8.6 billion during same period of the previous year.
In its result announced on Thursday, the company said it generated a revenue of N 71.0 billion recording growth of 5.2 per cent over the previous year.
“The company’s Gross profit for the period stood at N 31.5 billion, compared to N25.8 billion during the previous year,’’ it said in a statement.
Q1 2019 Results:
January March 2019 January March 2018
N’000 N’000
Revenue 70,966,754 67,463,648
Cost of Sales -39,497,884 -41,705,831
Gross Profit 31,468,870 25,757,817
Marketing and Distribution expenses -10,371,484 -9,029,860
Administrative expenses -2,010,834 -2,209,312
Results from operating activities 19,086,552 14,518,645
Finance income 504,003 281,299
Finance costs -469,354 -1,159,888
Net finance costs 34,648 -878,590
Profit before income tax 19,121,201 13,640,055
Income tax expense -6,274,881 -5,034,174
Profit for the period 12,846,320 8,605,881
“In the first quarter of the 2019, Nestlé Nigeria continued its emphasis on creating demand as well as strengthening brand loyalty programmes to increase market penetration.
The company also continued to focus on Creating Shared Value for society and its shareholders by delivering high quality nutritious products to consumers and contributing to the growth of the local economy through local sourcing and increasing access to clean drinking water in the communities where it operates,’’ it said.
Commenting on the results, Mr Mauricio Alarcon, Managing Director & CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc said, “We are pleased with the sustained growth of our company, the loyalty of our consumers and the discipline and dedication of our people to provide tastier and healthier foods and beverages.’’
He said that looking forward to the rest of 2019: “We are optimistic that our current business model will keep delivering satisfactory results to our shareholders and to society in line with our Creating Shared Value principle.
“Providing high-quality and affordable nutritious products which meet the needs and preferences of our consumers will remain our priority as we help build thriving, resilient communities through sustainable local sourcing and continuous product innovation.’’
Nestle Nigeria began simple trading operations in Nigeria in 1961 and has grown into a leading food manufacturing and marketing company.
Nestle Nigeria is the biggest food and beverage company in West Africa and employs more than 2,100 people and also has thre world-class factories.
The company manufactures and marklets a range of high quality brands, including NESTLE PURE LIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, KITKAT, MAGGI, NESCAFE and CERELAC.
