PPC sees strong profit growth as 'awaken the giant' strategy gains traction

PPC's group EBITDA increased by over 20% for the four months ended July 31, 2025, with the EBITDA margin growing by over 2 percentage points. This performance reflects the "Awaken the Giant" strategic turnaround, which has gained traction in its second year. Group revenue rose by 4%, boosted by growth in SA and Botswana cement and Zimbabwe.

SA and Botswana cement sales volumes increased by 2%, leading to a material rise in EBITDA margin to 17.7% from 10.3% in the comparable period. In Zimbabwe, cement sales volumes surged by 22%, partly due to strong consumer demand and a new 30% tariff on imported cement. However, an extended shutdown at the Colleen Bawn plant temporarily impacted Zimbabwe's EBITDA margin, which reduced to 15.3% from 29.0%.

Cash generation remained robust, with $6 million in dividends declared during the period. Total dividends declared for H1FY26 reached $20 million, significantly up from $4 million in the comparable period, including an ordinary dividend of R274 million paid in respect of FY25. The sale of the Arlington property for $30 million remains on track.