Nigeria’s oil palm industry had a strong first half of 2025, driven by rising crude palm oil prices, lower inflation, and a stable naira.

These conditions have boosted the performance of the sector’s two leading listed companies, Presco and Okomu Oil, delivering higher returns to shareholders.

Together, the two companies made N136.2 billion in H1 2025, up 15.8% from their total 2024 profit of N117.7 billion and 131% higher than the N59.1 billion they earned in the first half of 2024. This shows that the sector is in excellent shape.

But which company is more profitable? We compare their net profit, profit margin, return on assets (ROA), cash flow, and market value.

Net Profit: Growth vs Absolute Value

Presco made N88.7 billion in the first half of 2025, more than double its N38.87 billion from H1 2024. This is even higher than its total profit for all of 2024, representing a 128% increase in one year.

Okomu Oil earned N47.5 billion, up from N20.19 billion in H1 2024 — a 135.2% growth.

While Presco leads in total profit, Okomu grows faster. Looking at profit margins (profit divided by revenue), Presco has 44.64%, compared to Okomu’s 36.59%, meaning Presco earns more for every naira of sales.

Return on Assets (ROA)

ROA measures how efficiently a company uses its assets to make a profit.

• Presco: With N88.7 billion profit and N612.98 billion in assets, it earns N14.5 for every N100 of assets.
• Okomu: With N47.5 billion profit and N78.2 billion in assets, it earns N60.7 for every N100 of assets.

Cash Flow from Operations

Cash flow shows the money a company actually generates from its core business.

• Okomu’s operating cash flow rose 79% to N57.7 billion, proving that its profits are backed by real cash, supporting reinvestment and dividends.
• Presco’s cash flow fell 11% to N56.05 billion, meaning less cash was available despite higher profits.

Market Value

Presco is the 19th most valuable stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), with a market value of N1.48 trillion — about 1.67% of the total NGX equity market. Its shares started the year at N475 and climbed as high as N1,550, currently trading around N1,480.

Okomu is 23rd on the NGX, valued at N973 billion (1.09% of NGX). Its shares rose from N444 to N1,020, a 130% increase year-to-date.

Presco leads in absolute market value and share price, while Okomu shows strong growth and efficiency.