Community

Tantalizers Plc – H1 2025 Review and Outlook Tantalizers Plc remains a notable player in Nigeria’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. However, its H1 2025 performance reflects continued operational and financial distress, raising red flags for potential investors despite slight improvement in some areas.

Recovery underway, but revenue pressures and fragile working capital require caution. Catalysts Cost Efficiency Gains: The 38% YoY decline in distribution and administrative expenses to ₦536 million in H1 2025, alongside an 85% reduction in finance charges, has materially improved profitability.

DAAR Communications Plc’s H1 2025 financial results continue to reflect a structurally weak operational model with persistent bottom-line losses, eroding investor confidence despite the company’s large asset base and historical significance in Nigeria’s media industry. While revenue showed modest growth year-on-year, rising costs, weak cost controls, and negative retained earnings reinforce a bearish investment outlook.

UPDC REIT continues to offer stable, inflation-resilient rental income and interest earnings, underpinned by a conservatively managed balance sheet. However, a lack of growth in distributable income and zero asset disposals in H1 2025 highlights a maturing portfolio with limited upside.

AXA Mansard reported solid balance sheet growth and resilience in its core insurance and investment business for H1 2025. However, a significant decline in profit before tax (-73% YoY) reflects a normalization from the one-off investment income spike in H1 2024.

Despite robust asset and revenue growth, LASACO Assurance Plc posted a significant decline in profitability in H1 2025, with a swing to pre-tax loss. This reflects rising cost pressure, particularly from insurance service expenses and reinsurance costs.

BUA Foods Plc H1/Q2- Strong Operating Momentum Amid Macroeconomic Volatility BUA Foods Plc delivered an impressive performance in H1 2025, showcasing significant growth in revenue and profit across both group and company levels, despite the macroeconomic headwinds and exchange rate volatility. The company's ability to maintain high margins and generate robust profits reinforces its position as a resilient player in Nigeria’s consumer goods and food manufacturing sector.

The HourGlass (AGS): A Deep Dive into Intrinsic Value and Future Potential The HourGlass (AGS), a prominent luxury watch retailer based in Singapore, appears to be a compelling investment opportunity, currently trading below its estimated intrinsic value. A thorough analysis, focusing on its operational strength and future prospects, suggests a disconnect between its market price and fundamental worth.

Duopharma Biotech Bhd (KLSE: DPHARMA, ticker 7148) Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals / Biotech Investment Review Recommendation: HOLD (Initiated) Key Metrics Company Overview Duopharma Biotech Bhd is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Malaysia, involved in the research, development, manufacturing, and distribution of generic and specialty pharmaceutical products. Its operations span: Ethical Classic : General therapeutic generics (e.g., cardiovascular, anti-infectives) Ethical Specialty : Bio-similars for oncology, renal, and metabolic diseases Consumer Healthcare (CHC) : Notable OTC brands like Champs, Flavettes, and Uphamol As of 2025, it exports to multiple countries and operates from 3 GMP-certified manufacturing facilities.