Top 5 best-performing sectors in the NGX in H1 2025

To underscore the NGX’s performance in the first half of 2025, it’s essential to spotlight the best-performing sectors in the NGX in H1 2025.

During the review period, industrial goods company, Beta Glass stood out as the top-performing stock, with its share price soaring by an impressive 415 percent. However, from a broader sectoral perspective, the industrial goods sector lagged behind. This was reflected in the modest 1.8 percent gain recorded by the NGX Industrial Goods Index over the same period.

Agriculture: +126.5%

The agriculture sector was the best-performing sector in the NGX in H1 2025. Agriculture stocks on the Nigerian Exchange delivered a remarkable performance during the period, with the five listed companies posting a combined market capitalization growth of 126.5 percent. While there is no dedicated NGX Agriculture Index, this surge was measured through changes in their market values.

Leading the rally was Presco, whose share price jumped 168 percent, driving its market capitalization up by N800 billion, from N475 billion to N1.275 trillion. Ellah Lakes also posted notable gains, with its market cap rising by 239 percent during the period.

This bullish momentum in agriculture equities mirrored the broader strength of the sector. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Purchasing Managers’ Index for June 2025, the agricultural sector has now recorded eleven consecutive months of expansion.

Healthcare: +71.6%

Boosted by strong performances from Neimeth and Fidson, the healthcare sector recorded a robust 71.6 percent gain in the first half of 2025. Neimeth led the rally with a remarkable 185 percent increase, closely followed by Fidson, which surged by 184 percent.

May & Baker also contributed to the sector’s upward momentum, posting a solid 65 percent gain over the period.

Consumer Goods: +52.2%

In the first half of 2025, the NGX Consumer Goods Index rose by an impressive 52.2 percent, fueled by strong gains in key stocks such as Honeywell Flour Mills, Vitafoam, Champion Breweries, and International Breweries. Each of these stocks delivered triple-digit returns, with Honeywell Flour Mills leading the pack with a 241 percent surge.

Honeywell’s rally was largely driven by its return to profitability—the first since its acquisition by Flour Mills of Nigeria. This positive turnaround, along with improved earnings from several consumer goods firms in Q1 2025, has renewed investor confidence and sparked increased interest in the sector.

Information Technology: +31.7%

The information technology sector recorded a solid 31.7 percent gain in the first half of 2025, largely powered by the strong performance of MTN Nigeria. The telecom giant’s market value surged by 79 percent during the period, pushing its market capitalization to N7.5 trillion.

The sector also received a boost from the February listing of Legend Internet, which added N14.9 billion in fresh market value. Meanwhile, other players like CWG delivered impressive returns, with the stock climbing 64.3 percent in the half-year.

Services: +30.6%

The Services sector, which includes transportation, hospitality, logistics, and publishing, posted a 30.6 percent gain in the first half of 2025.

Comprising mostly low- and mid-cap stocks, the sector’s standout performers drove its upward trajectory. Caverton led the rally with a remarkable 147 percent increase in market value, while Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) followed closely with a 96 percent gain. ABC Transport also delivered strong growth, nearly doubling its market capitalization from N2.94 billion to N5.86 billion.

Transcorp Hotels remains the sector’s notable large-cap presence. And during the half-year, it recorded a 23 percent market gain.