East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has posted a 49 per cent jump in after-tax profit to Sh18.2 billion for the financial year ended June 30, 2026, alongside a sharply higher dividend payout, as the brewer credited stronger sales, tighter cost controls and reduced borrowing costs for the turnaround.
The results, announced on Thursday in Nairobi, show net revenue climbing 13 per cent year-on-year to Sh146 billion. EABL credited healthy sales across its beer and spirits brands in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, its three biggest markets, for the growth.
The company also cut its total debt by Sh6.2 billion over the period, helped by falling interest rates and disciplined repayment.
The board has recommended a final dividend of Sh8.70 per share, subject to withholding tax, bringing the total payout for the year to Sh12.70 per share — a 59 per cent increase on the previous financial year. Investor confidence followed suit, with EABL’s share price rising 43 per cent to close at Sh269 on June 30.
EABL Group Managing Director and CEO Jane Karuku said the group remains well placed to sustain its momentum despite continuing pressure on consumer spending and a difficult fiscal environment.
“We remain well positioned to deliver sustainable growth through our diversified portfolio, market-leading brands and talented teams,” she said.
Alongside the results, EABL flagged growing concern over illicit alcohol consumption across the region, saying the problem underscores the need for closer collaboration between governments, regulators and industry players to protect consumers and safeguard the sector’s growth.
