Zambeef Products Plc is expected to record a 112% increase in basic earnings per share for the period ending March 31, 2026, signaling one of the strongest f inancial recoveries by the agribusiness giant in recent years.
According to a Zambeef trading statement seen by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT) on the Lusaka Securities and Exchange LuSE, the company expects its Zambian Kwacha Total Basic Earnings per Share for the period ending March 31, 2026 to be approximately 112% higher than the corresponding period ending March 31, 2025.
The report further revealed that there is no change to market expectations previously communicated in its May 14, 2026 trading update and attributed the improved financial performance to robust underlying operations and disciplined overhead management. Zambeef stated that despite revenue pressures in Kwacha terms, the appreciation of the Kwacha at the beginning of the year generated significant savings on imported inputs, resulting in sustained growth in operating profit compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, economic expert, Samuel Lungu said the projected 112% earnings increase is most likely driven by the reduction in Zambia’s Monetary Policy Rate from 14.5% to 13.25%, coupled with improved electricity supply after the energy crisis.
“The jump is driven by four main factors which include the appreciation of the Kwacha reduced dollar-denominated input costs such as feed, fertilizer and fuel while stable electricity supply lowered operating expenses that had surged during the load-shedding period,” said Lungu.
He added that the 112% earnings growth strengthens Zambeef’s turnaround story and could trigger positive price movement on LuSE if the June results confirm the projections, but cautioned that investors should closely monitor consumer demand, exchange rate movements, fuel prices and election-related risks despite describing the stock as attractive for long-term agricultural sector exposure.
Article by Justine Phiri
