Dangote Cement Plc has clinched the “Dividend Paying Company of the Year” award at the prestigious 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards, held on May 23, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.
This year’s ceremony, themed “Capital Market as a Catalyst for Nigerian Economic Transformation,” honored companies driving economic growth through market excellence and shareholder value.
Dangote Cement stood out among heavyweights, surpassing notable contenders such as Nigerian Aviation Company and Airtel Africa, for its remarkable consistency and generosity in rewarding shareholders.
A History of Strong Returns
Renowned for its reliable dividend payments, Dangote Cement has solidified its reputation as a top performer in Nigeria’s capital market. Since 2018, the company has steadily increased its annual dividend, moving from ₦10 per share to ₦16, and then to ₦20 in 2023.
Now, in 2024, the company is maintaining a record-breaking ₦30 per share dividend, scheduled for distribution on June 23, 2025, to shareholders listed as of June 9, 2025.
Key Financial Highlights
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Final Dividend: ₦30 per share
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Total Dividend Payout: ₦506.21 billion
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Dividend Yield: 6.81% (based on a share price of ₦440)
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Payout Ratio: 100.59%
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Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: 12.22x — notably lower than the industry average of 41.81x, indicating potential undervaluation.
Exceptional Q1 2025 Performance
In its unaudited results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, Dangote Cement reported a pre-tax profit of ₦311.97 billion, marking an 87.48% increase from ₦166.40 billion in Q1 2024. This leap in profit was powered by strong revenue growth and operational efficiency.
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Nigeria Revenue: ₦696.04 billion
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Contribution to Group Revenue: Up from 55.41% in Q1 2024 to nearly 70% in Q1 2025
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Gross Margin: 59%, up by 15 percentage points
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Fuel & Power Costs: ₦177.19 billion
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Retained Earnings: Rose to ₦1.2 trillion, up from ₦1.027 trillion year-over-year
Despite rising operational costs, the company’s ability to keep expenses in check while growing revenue has significantly boosted profitability and shareholder returns.
Dangote Cement’s recognition at the Nairametrics Awards not only reflects its financial strength but also its unwavering commitment to investor value. As the company continues to set new benchmarks in profitability and dividend performance, market watchers regard it as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s evolving capital market landscape.
