The Nigerian equities market delivered another month of strong returns in July 2025, buoyed by bullish sentiment across consumer staples, agro-industrials, and industrial goods. Investors’ confidence was reinforced by solid corporate earnings, improved macroeconomic indicators, and sustained foreign portfolio inflows.
In value terms, several heavyweights posted remarkable gains, with Nestlé Nigeria Plc taking the lead. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 best-performing stocks in July 2025 by value appreciation — starting from the number one spot.
- Nestlé Nigeria Plc — ₦440 per share gain
Nestlé retained its crown as a market darling, adding ₦440 to its share price in July. This impressive leap was fueled by its half-year earnings report, which showed robust revenue growth and improved profit margins despite cost pressures from foreign exchange volatility. Investors see Nestlé as a resilient defensive stock with strong brand equity and consistent dividend history.
Analysts also credit recent product innovation and stronger rural market penetration for sustaining its upward momentum. For many institutional investors, Nestlé remains a “buy and hold” candidate, even at premium valuations.
- Presco Plc — ₦275 per share gain
Presco, a leading integrated palm oil producer, continued its winning streak with a ₦275 gain. The company’s performance was underpinned by record-high crude palm oil prices, increased output, and efficiency gains from its plantations.
The agro-industrial giant is benefiting from Nigeria’s renewed focus on local agricultural production, coupled with reduced competition from imports due to forex constraints. Shareholders are optimistic about its long-term sustainability, especially with its investments in refining capacity and value-added products. - Okomu Oil Palm Plc — ₦260 per share gain
Close on Presco’s heels, Okomu Oil posted a ₦260 increase, reflecting strong fundamentals in the palm oil sector. The company’s strategic expansion of plantation acreage and its focus on operational efficiency have paid off.
Okomu’s earnings are benefiting from high commodity prices and favorable government policies encouraging local sourcing. Like Presco, it also enjoys strong demand from the domestic fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. - Dangote Cement Plc — ₦145 per share gain
Dangote Cement, Africa’s largest cement producer, recorded a ₦145 jump in July, bolstered by infrastructure spending and robust construction activity nationwide. Investors welcomed the company’s cost-optimisation measures and export expansion into West African markets.
With government-backed road and housing projects gathering pace, the cement sector is enjoying tailwinds that could extend into the second half of 2025.
- BUA Cement Plc — ₦133 per share gain
BUA Cement’s ₦133 gain underscores its growing market share in Nigeria’s cement industry. The company’s aggressive capacity expansion and price competitiveness are resonating with the market.
Its recent announcement of new energy-efficient production lines further boosted investor sentiment, signaling lower production costs and improved profit margins going forward.
- Lafarge Africa Plc — ₦35 per share gain
Lafarge Africa added ₦35 in July, benefiting from steady demand in the cement market and ongoing operational restructuring. The company’s focus on sustainability, such as incorporating alternative fuels in production, is winning investor approval. With the construction boom showing no signs of slowing, Lafarge remains well-positioned to capitalize on the sector’s growth. - UAC of Nigeria Plc — ₦15 per share gain
UACN’s ₦15 increase was driven by strong performance across its food, real estate, and paint subsidiaries. The conglomerate’s recent divestments and strategic partnerships are helping it focus on high-margin segments.
Investors see UACN’s diversified portfolio as a hedge against volatility in any single industry. - Nigerian Exchange Group Plc — ₦12 per share gain
The Nigerian Exchange Group, the operator of the NGX, enjoyed a ₦12 rise in share price, reflecting increased trading volumes and revenue from market activities.
The NGX’s new digital products, expanded derivatives market, and enhanced investor education programs are boosting participation and liquidity, which in turn supports its revenue growth. - Academy Press Plc — ₦10 per share gain
Printing and publishing firm Academy Press surprised many with a ₦10 value gain, underpinned by contract wins in educational and corporate printing.
The company’s diversification into packaging and label printing has also attracted investors looking for niche growth plays in manufacturing. - Cadbury Nigeria Plc — ₦8 per share gain
Rounding out the list, Cadbury posted an ₦8 gain on the back of strong half-year earnings. New product launches, expanded distribution networks, and improved export sales have reinvigorated the brand’s market performance.
Cadbury’s cost-control initiatives and focus on innovation are giving investors confidence in its growth trajectory.
Sector Trends & Market Drivers in July 2025
July’s top performers highlight three major market themes:
✔️Agro-Industrial Dominance: Nestlé, Presco, and Okomu together accounted for the bulk of value gains, reflecting investor appetite for defensive, food-related plays amid inflationary pressures.
✔️Infrastructure & Construction Resurgence: Cement heavyweights Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge benefited from a rebound in government and private sector building activity.
✔️Mid-Cap Momentum: Companies like Academy Press and UACN demonstrated that nimble, well-managed mid-caps can deliver solid returns alongside blue-chip giants.
Broader Market Context
The NGX All-Share Index rose strongly in July, supported by:
✔️Foreign portfolio inflows as global investors sought exposure to emerging market growth stories.
✔️Improved macroeconomic indicators including moderating inflation and a more stable naira exchange rate.
✔️Positive corporate earnings across multiple sectors.
✔️Market turnover also increased, indicating heightened participation by both retail and institutional investors.
Looking Ahead
Analysts expect the bullish sentiment to continue into Q3 2025, though profit-taking could create short-term volatility. Key risks include potential policy shifts ahead of the 2026 fiscal year, global commodity price swings, and further adjustments in monetary policy.
For long-term investors, the July 2025 leaderboard offers clear signals: companies with strong fundamentals, sector leadership, and strategic growth plans are more likely to sustain value appreciation, even amid market fluctuations.
Summary Table: July 2025 Top 10 by Value Appreciation; Rank; Company; Sector; Gain (₦/share)
✔️Nestlé Nigeria Plc | Consumer Staples | 440
✔️Presco Plc | Agro-Industrial | 275
✔️Okomu Oil Palm Plc | Agro-Industrial | 260
✔️Dangote Cement Plc | Industrial Goods | 145
✔️BUA Cement Plc | Industrial Goods | 133
✔️Lafarge Africa Plc | Industrial Goods | 35
✔️UAC of Nigeria Plc | Conglomerate | 15
✔️Nigerian Exchange Group Plc | Financial Services | 12
✔️Academy Press Plc | Manufacturing | 10
✔️Cadbury Nigeria Plc | Consumer Staples | 8
