The NGX Premium Index ended 2025 higher than the broader Nigerian All-Share Index, rising 59.40% to 15,493.2 points, a gain of 5,773.4 points.
After opening the year at 9,719.8 points, the sub-index pushed past the 15,000 level, supported by trading activity of over 32 billion shares.
Over the same period, the All-Share Index rose 51.19%, or 52,686.6 points, to close at 155,613, leaving the Premium Index ahead on a year-to-date basis.
July drove the third-quarter rally, with the Premium Index gaining 26.74% in the month and lifting Q3 performance to an 18.19% return, the strongest quarter of the year.
The NGX Premium Index tracks Nigerian Exchange companies with strong governance and liquidity, requiring at least N40 billion free float, N200 billion market capitalisation, and a 70% governance score to support investor confidence.
For full-year 2025, gains were broad, with seven of the eight premium stocks ending the year in positive territory.
Lafarge claimed the second spot among premium stocks in 2025, rising 92.28% to close at N134.5 from N69.95, comfortably surpassing the N100 mark. Trading remained strong, though slightly below the 2024 performance of 122%.
The stock gained modestly in the first half, rising 5.5% in Q1 and 18.16% in Q2 to N87.20. July proved to be the breakout month, surging 70.87% to N149. Despite some volatility in the following months, Lafarge held above N130 at year-end.
On the financial front, Lafarge reported 9M 2025 revenue of N780.48 billion, up 63% from N479.49 billion in 2024. Profit after tax soared 246% to N207.78 billion, driven by higher volumes, operational efficiency, and Naira stability.
The company’s market capitalization stands at N2.16 trillion, representing 2.17% of the total market.
