Dangote Cement has emerged as the first company to achieve a market capitalization of N10 trillion on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), closing trading on Monday with a market cap of N10.098 trillion.

The company’s market cap surged by N917 billion in a single trading session, marking an 85.25 percent increase in capital gains for investors.

This achievement comes on the heels of the company displacing Airtel Africa as the most capitalized stock on the local bourse earlier this month.

At the close of Monday’s trading, Dangote Cement’s share price stood at N592.60 per unit, showcasing remarkable performance with a return of over 81.4% in the last 52 weeks. The company holds 17.04 billion outstanding shares, and a significant majority, approximately 85.8%, is controlled by Dangote Industries Limited, spearheaded by Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote.

The company’s growth has been bolstered by strategic initiatives, including two tranches of share repurchases conducted between 2020 and 2022. These buybacks, amounting to 166.9 million shares, are believed to have fortified the stock valuation.

The company’s growth has attracted major investors, with Femi Otedola, a prominent Nigerian billionaire, recently acquiring shares worth an impressive N6 billion in Dangote Cement Plc.

Dangote Cement’s milestone on the NGX has also fueled speculation about the potential listing of other Dangote Group entities, including the newly operational Dangote Petrochemical Refinery. Analysts had projected the listing of Dangote Refinery, along with Dangote Foods (a result of the ongoing merger of Dangote companies) and NNPC Limited, to be major boosts for the capital market.

The refinery’s commencement of production has had a positive ripple effect on the stocks of Dangote Group companies listed on the exchange. Investors in Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery, and NASCON Allied Industries have gained over N1.2 trillion during the first two trading sessions of the past week.

Dangote Cement’s achievement comes amid a backdrop of controversy over the high cost of cement in Nigeria. Last year, BUA Cement Plc, the only rival to Dangote Cement in the Nigerian market, took a significant step by reducing the cost of its products from N4,650 to N3,500 per bag.

This move was prompted by discussions within the construction industry, with stakeholders expressing concerns over the high cost of cement in the country.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Dave Umahi, added to the discourse by saying that it’s cheaper to import cement than purchase from local manufacturers – BUA and Dangote Cement. This statement sparked a national conversation around the implications of the high cost of cement on construction in Nigeria.

In his response, BUA Cement’s Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, stated that the company’s decision to reduce cement prices aligns with its mission to support development in the building materials and infrastructure sectors.

However, Dangote Cement, with its products selling in the range of N5,000 to N5,300 per bag, did not follow suit, maintaining its pricing strategy.

Dangote Cement’s dominant assertion on the NGX and the construction industry amid the challenges of cement pricing signifies its position as the major player with substantial market value – underscored by the company’s market cap milestone.

In response to recent speculations surrounding the currency in which refined petroleum products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will be sold, oil marketers have sought to allay concerns by stating that the products will be dispensed in the local currency, the naira, and not in US dollars.

The clarification comes amidst the ongoing registration exercise for marketers by the refinery. On Tuesday, MOMAN, IPMAN, and DAPPMAN members were announced by Dangote Refinery as registered members for product distribution. These three major associations, collectively constituting 75 percent of the total market in Nigeria, are integral to the supply chain, facilitating fuel distribution to approximately 150,000 retail outlets across the country.

The $20 billion Dangote Refinery, which commenced the production of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and JetA1 (aviation fuel) on January 12, 2023, has, encountered various concerns that need addressing before it initiates the distribution of its products. One of the prominent concerns is the establishment of a pricing template for refined products.

According to The Punch, officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority have been engaging in discussions with the refinery’s management to finalize the pricing structure for the products.

A significant aspect of the concerns relates to the use of the US dollar in the supply chain. Given that crude oil, the primary raw material for the refinery is an international commodity traded in dollars, questions arose regarding whether the refined products would also be sold in dollars, especially since the plant is located in a free trade zone.

Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of IPMAN, responded to these concerns, acknowledging that crude oil is indeed purchased in dollars but assuring that this would not dictate the currency for selling refined products in the Nigerian market.

“The legal tender in Nigeria is the naira. The cement being sold by Dangote Cement is done in naira, not in dollars. So why should one think that he will now sell fuel in dollars? Except for the offshore sales for those who want to move the refined products out of Nigeria using vessels to transport them to other countries. Such customers may get theirs in dollar equivalent,” Ukadike explained to The Punch.

The ongoing debate about the currency in which Dangote Refinery will transact its products gains significance against the backdrop of the escalating price of the dollar in Nigeria’s forex market. With crude oil supplied in dollars, some have assumed that the refinery would also adopt the dollar for its product sales.

To put a permanent end to this, Ukadike said that the Nigerian government needs to close up the widening gap in the foreign exchange rate.

“If the exchange rate for the dollar is low, petroleum products would have been cheap in Nigeria because the products are imported. So I believe that Dangote will definitely sell the products in our local currency, which is naira,” Ukadike asserted.

When asked whether marketers had been briefed on the currency for product sales, considering that crude oil is supplied in dollars, Ukadike clarified that the pricing template had not yet been finalized. He stated, “No, the pricing template has not come out. What is going on now is legislation. The template is not yet out. And I must state that there is no way the NNPC will bring out its template in naira and Dangote will bring out its own in dollars. It is not possible! So for the cost of their products, I think they are still trying to fix the prices with the regulatory agencies of the Federal Government.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, with a colossal capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, has been touted as a crucial solution to the rising cost of petroleum products resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies.

Since its inception, the refinery has received six million barrels of crude oil at its two Single Point Mooring (SPM) locations located 25km from the shore. The initial crude delivery took place on December 12, 2023, and the latest cargo was delivered on January 8, 2024.

In a statement issued by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, he affirmed that the products would be available in the market within the month, pending regulatory approvals. Dangote said that the refinery will make a difference in the Nigerian petroleum sector.

“This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualization of this project,” he said.

As the registration process for marketers continues and discussions with regulatory authorities progress, the finalization of the pricing template will be a crucial step for Dangote Refinery in addressing concerns and ensuring a smooth transition into the distribution phase. Emphasis is on the commitment to transacting in the local currency, underlining the refinery’s alignment with established business practices within Nigeria.

The anticipation for the refinery’s contribution to stabilizing petroleum product prices remains high, awaiting the formal announcement of the pricing template and subsequent product availability in the market.

Not hard to understand why Femi Otedola is buying tons of Dangote Cement shares. Yes, you can check the following things on a Dangote Cement investment:

1. Cement industry market leader with more than 65% of the market share.

2. Dividend-paying which has been consistent for years.

3. Founder-majority-owned, aligning that dividend-paying culture to the desire to have personal liquidity for other ventures. Aliko Dangote controls about 85% of Dangote Cement.

4. Industry-leading gross margin which makes the company a rainmaker on making profits.

5. Dominant in regions still at pre-industrialization phase which means more cement will be needed in Nigeria, Ethiopia, etc.

6. High barrier of entry which is a great moat that no other person can launch to reshape the competition overnight.

7. Etc Etc.

Indeed, provided you are sourcing the funds within Nigeria, why not? But if you are importing funds, the equation changes as you must consider the exchange rate stability. Otedola has truckloads of money within Nigeria to invest.

Students: there are three types of investors, where would you classify Otedola?

-Growth Maker: you buy low and wait for the value of the company to grow quickly.

-Value Picker: they focus on extremely beaten down equities.

– Income Chaser: these people do not necessarily care if the value of the stocks they hold go up or not, their major focus is the company’s ability to pay dividends.

Let us have an investment class on the Nigerian stock exchange; trade profitably everyone!

Meanwhile, Otedola is back to Forbes top 20 of richest billionaires in Africa

1. Aliko Dangote – $13.9 billion
2. Johann Rupert & family – $10.1 billion
3. Nicky Oppenheimer & family – $9.4 billion
4. Nassef Sawiris – $8.7 billion
5. Mike Adenuga – $6.9 billion
6. Abdulsamad Rabiu – $5.9 billion
7. Naguib Sawiris -$3.8 billion
8. Mohammed Mansour – $3.2 billion
9. Roos Bekker – $2.7 billion
10. Patrice Motsepe – $2.7 billion
11. Issad Rebrab & family – $2.5 billion
12. Mohammed Dewji – $1.8 billion
13. Strive Masiyiwa – $1.8 billion
14. Aziz Akhannouch & family – $1.7 billion
15. Othman Benjelloun & family – $1.4 billion
16. Youseff Mansour – $1.3 billion
17. Yassen Mansour – $1.2 billion
18. Christoffel Wiese – $1.2 billion
19. Michiel Le Roux – $1.1 billion
20. Femi Otedola – $1.1 billion

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Comment 1: Femi Otedola’s investment in Dangote Cement seems to be a strategic move, considering the points you’ve highlighted Prof. His decision to invest in a market-leading company with a strong dividend history and a significant barrier to entry could be seen as aligning with the traits of an Income Chaser. However, given the company’s potential for growth in pre-industrial regions and its dominant market share, one could also argue that elements of Growth Investing are at play. Otedola’s unique position allows him to capitalize on local opportunities without the added complexity of currency exchange risks. It’s a nuanced strategy, blending an understanding of local market dynamics with a focus on both value and income.

Foremost Nigerian businessman, Femi Otedola, provided detailed insights into his recent substantial investment in Dangote Cement, highlighting its strategic importance for long-term wealth preservation and economic development.

In a statement from his media office, Otedola explained the rationale behind his move, emphasizing the unique attributes of Dangote Cement that prompted his investment decision.

Otedola’s decision to acquire substantial shares in Dangote Cement followed his divestment from Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), where he sold 2.6 billion units of shares, amounting to 6.3%. The shares were strategically acquired by Tony Elumelu, the largest shareholder of United Bank for Africa, marking a significant development in the Nigerian business landscape. Otedola’s subsequent investment in Dangote Cement underscores his continued commitment to impactful ventures in the country.

In his statement, Otedola stated, “This astute investment in Dangote Cement is part of my overall strategy to ensure long-term wealth preservation.”

He said that the move reflects his confidence in the capacity of Dangote Cement to play a pivotal role in propelling Nigeria and Africa into a much-needed era of industrialization.

The billionaire investor expressed his belief in Dangote Cement’s potential to substantially contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria and the broader African region. He noted that the company is the only cement company in Nigeria with two export terminals, boasting a combined export capacity of 8 million tons per annum.

Confirming his significant acquisition of shares in Dangote Cement, Otedola highlighted the strategic importance of the company’s position in the market. He stated, “Dangote Cement’s export capabilities and extensive operations across sub-Saharan Africa are essential for regional economic integration and growth.” This underlines his confidence in the company’s ability to generate foreign exchange for Nigeria and support businesses contributing to the country’s economic resilience.

As sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement producer, Dangote Cement boasts an annual production capacity of 51.6 million tons across 10 countries. Otedola pointed at the company’s extensive footprint in the industry, highlighting its dominance and crucial role in driving economic growth across the region.

“The recent expansion of Dangote Cement, including the new 6 million-ton plant in Itori, Ogun state, enhances its export capacity and emphasizes the company’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic diversification,” Otedola remarked.

He sees the company’s commitment to expansion as a positive signal for its role in supporting economic development initiatives.

Otedola’s investment in Dangote Cement aligns with his vision of long-term wealth preservation and the principle that shareholders should be the primary beneficiaries of a company’s success.

He stated, “In my investment decisions, I focus on long-term wealth preservation and ensuring shareholders are the ultimate beneficiaries of a company’s success.”

Dangote Cement’s unique position with two export terminals offers a substantial opportunity to earn foreign exchange crucial for Nigeria’s economy, according to Otedola. He believes that the company’s extensive pan-African presence makes it an ideal investment choice, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

The billionaire businessman acknowledged Dangote Cement’s track record of dividend payments, exceeding N2.1 trillion in recent years, and its commitment to sustainable business practices.

“Companies like Dangote Cement, which consistently deliver value to their shareholders, are fundamental for sustainable economic growth,” Otedola asserted.

Moreover, Otedola noted the evolving regulatory space in Nigeria, emphasizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. He said that companies adhering to these principles are more likely to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation.

“Dangote Cement’s strong corporate governance and impressive ESG compliance track record make it an ideal investment choice,” stated Otedola.

Otedola stated that his investment in Dangote Cement is a strategic decision reflecting his belief in the company’s ability to positively impact Nigeria’s economy. It aligns with his commitment to fostering a culture of responsible investment and serves as an encouragement for others to consider investments that contribute to economic growth and stability.

Stakeholders believe that Otdola’s investment in Dangote Cement serves as a call to action for Nigerians to invest in companies that offer financial returns and play a crucial role in the nation’s economic growth and stability.