Portland Cement Rides High as February Closes, Investors Reap Big
East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) ended February on a high note, posting a remarkable half-year profit of Sh35 million for the period ending December 31, 2024. The turnaround, driven by a robust market strategy, has helped the firm regain a competitive edge, boosting sales and investor confidence.
Marking a major milestone, the cement manufacturer rewarded its shareholders with a Sh1 per share dividend on Friday—the first payout in 13 years. This positive development propelled its stock price to one of the biggest gains of the month at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), surging 27.5% to close at Sh37.
Looking ahead, EAPCC is set to roll out an aggressive investment plan in the second half of the financial year, targeting full utilisation of its installed capacity to sustain its growth momentum.
Meanwhile, Centum Plc’s stock saw a dramatic surge following a share repurchase plan announced last year. However, after the investment firm halted the initiative in late January, analysts predict its stock price—currently at Sh14.75, up 29.96%—may slide back to its earlier level of Sh11.90 or even align with the buyback offer of Sh9.51.
Another notable mover was Standard Group, which gained 30% to close February at Sh6.50, as investors reacted positively to its planned Sh1.5 billion rights issue. The media firm intends to use the capital to restructure its balance sheet and tap into emerging opportunities in the digital space. However, its stock trajectory remains dependent on the successful execution of the rights issue.
With these shifts, February has been a dynamic month at the NSE, offering both excitement and caution for investors.
