Centum Investment Company reports UGX 70 billion profit, signals strong recovery

Centum Investment Company Plc has reported a consolidated profit after tax of approximately UGX 70.2 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, marking a significant turnaround from a loss of around UGX 13.6 billion the previous year.

The impressive results underscore the success of Centum’s Centum 5.0 strategy, which is focused on strengthening the company’s balance sheet, generating strong operating cash flows, and executing disciplined investments.

According to the audited financial statements, the profit rebound was driven by UGX 40.5 billion in gains from the disposal of investments, a sharp rise from UGX 6.8 billion in 2024. Additionally, the company recorded a UGX 53.2 billion fair value gain on investment properties.

Improved performance across portfolio companies contributed to the turnaround, including the Two Rivers Development Group, which posted a profit of UGX 3.35 billion, reversing a loss of UGX 20.9 billion the previous year. Operating profit rose to UGX 58.3 billion from UGX 36.7 billion, while comprehensive income attributable to shareholders surged to UGX 70.2 billion, up from UGX 13.6 billion in 2024.

Centum’s financial position strengthened considerably. Total assets grew to approximately UGX 2.22 trillion, while liabilities dropped by 13%, thanks to a UGX 35.1 billion reduction in borrowings, bringing total debt down to UGX 345.6 billion. Net Asset Value (NAV) per share rose 7% to the equivalent of UGX 1,882, up from UGX 1,750 the prior year. The company also repurchased 150,800 shares in October 2024 and proposed a final dividend of UGX 8.6 per share, consistent with the previous year’s payout.

Cash flow from operations reached UGX 102.6 billion, supported by divestment proceeds and stronger earnings across its portfolio. Net investment income and improved performance from subsidiaries, including the Two Rivers Lifestyle Centre and the Special Economic Zone, helped reinforce the company’s return to profitability. The total investment portfolio increased to UGX 1.38 trillion, reflecting stronger asset valuations.

Group CEO Dr. James Mworia said Centum remains committed to its Centum 5.0 strategy, which emphasizes capital discipline, portfolio optimization, and long-term shareholder value creation. He added that Centum is actively exploring investment opportunities in high-yielding, liquid, and scalable businesses across East Africa.

With a solid balance sheet, strong cash flows, and a clear investment strategy, Centum believes it is well-positioned to sustain its recovery and drive growth in the upcoming financial year.

Centum Investment Company Plc is a leading publicly listed investment company in East Africa, with a mission to deliver tangible wealth by providing investors with access to a diversified portfolio of investments across multiple sectors and asset classes. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and cross-listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange, Centum serves as a gateway for institutional and retail investors to tap into high-growth opportunities in East Africa.