Key Points
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Rainbow Chicken reported $895.6 million revenue in 2025.
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The chicken division drove growth with higher sales and margins.
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Johann Rupert-backed company declared a maiden cash dividend.
Rainbow Chicken Limited, partly owned by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, reported revenue of R15.8 billion ($895.6 million) for the year ended June 29, 2025. The results reflect the company’s first full financial year since relisting on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2024.
Revenue rose 9 percent from R14.53 billion ($818.37 million) a year earlier, lifted by strong demand in the chicken division. Headline earnings jumped to R584.8 million ($32.95 million), more than three times last year’s R180.3 million ($10.16 million).
The turnaround was supported by reduced finance costs after a debt-to-equity conversion with former parent RCL Foods, which cut interest expenses by R179.7 million ($10.12 million).
Cash generated from operations rose 63.6 percent to R1.9 billion ($107.26 million), while return on invested capital climbed to 16.3 percent.
Chicken division drives growth momentum
According to a report by Billionaires.Africa, the chicken division delivered the largest gains, with revenue climbing 9.6 percent. Expanded capacity at Hammarsdale, a stronger product mix, and wider sales channels fueled the rise. Lower feed costs and fewer expenses linked to loadshedding also boosted margins.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) more than doubled, up 102.8 percent, while EBIT surged 295.1 percent.
Animal feed showed smaller revenue growth of 2.8 percent, but it became more efficient. EBITDA rose 30 percent, and EBIT gained 34.7 percent, supported by stronger mill performance and a 5.3 percent recovery in volumes after last year’s avian flu setback.
Rupert-backed poultry giant signals stability
Rainbow’s total assets increased 19.4 percent to R8.54 billion ($481.99 million) from R7.15 billion ($403.39 million). Retained earnings more than doubled to R1.07 billion ($60.66 million).
The group also declared a maiden dividend of R0.2 ($0.011) per share, worth R178.61 million ($10.07 million). The payout, its first since relisting, will be made on Sept. 29 to shareholders of record by Sept. 26.
The results underline Rainbow’s recovery since its relisting and reflect the success of its cost-cutting and efficiency drive. With operations across chicken, feed, and waste-to-value showing gains, the company has regained stability and is positioned for continued growth.
