Egyptian mogul Safwan Thabet hit by $40.8 million loss from Juhayna stake

Egyptian businessman Safwan Thabet has taken a $40.75 million hit in 46 days following a sharp decline in the share price of Juhayna Food Industries on the Egyptian Exchange.

Juhayna shares extend sharp decline
Shares of the Cairo-based food producer have dropped 14.45% since Feb. 4, falling from EGP31.08 ($0.59) to EGP26.59 ($0.51). The decline has significantly reduced the market value of Thabet’s majority stake, highlighting growing investor concerns over the company’s financial outlook in 2025.

Juhayna Food Industries, a leading player in Egypt’s food-processing sector, operates across dairy, juice, and cooking products, with diversified interests spanning five key business segments.

Thabet, who founded the company more than four decades ago, controls a 50.07% stake through Pharon Investments Limited, cementing his position as a dominant shareholder in the business.

Stake value drops below $250 million
The recent selloff has reduced the value of Thabet’s stake from EGP14.66 billion ($282.04 million) to EGP12.54 billion ($241.29 million), marking a steep decline in just over six weeks.

Despite the loss, Thabet remains one of the wealthiest investors on the Egyptian Exchange, with Juhayna continuing to rank among the country’s most recognized consumer brands.

Investor selloff weighs on stock
The decline is attributed to a sustained investor selloff in Juhayna’s shares, driven largely by its recently released 2025 financial report.

According to its 2025 report, Juhayna posted a 30.04% decline in consolidated net profit, which was down to EGP1.91 billion ($36.54 million) in 2025, down from EGP2.73 billion ($52.25 million) a year earlier, as earnings per share fell to EGP1.38 ($0.02) from EGP2.32 ($0.04).

However, revenue rose by 23.37% to EGP29.98 billion ($573.63 million), up from EGP24.30 billion ($464.99 million) in 2024, underscoring continued top-line growth despite margin pressure. Total assets climbed by 35.47% to EGP18.41 billion ($352.28 million) as of Dec. 31, 2025, compared with EGP13.59 billion ($260.1 million) a year earlier.

The drop reflects broader caution among investors toward consumer goods companies facing cost pressures and shifting demand dynamics in Egypt’s evolving economic environment.

Year-to-date losses deepen
Since the start of the year, the value of Thabet’s stake has declined by 14.45%, translating into a year-to-date loss exceeding $40.8 million.

While the downturn underscores near-term volatility, Juhayna’s strong market position and brand equity continue to anchor its long-term outlook in Egypt’s food and beverage sector.