Longhorn Publishers has narrowed its half-year loss to Sh11 million for the period ended December 31, 2025, a sharp improvement from the Sh148.6 million loss recorded a year earlier, as better margins and stronger revenues transformed the company's financial trajectory.
Revenue surged 88 percent to Sh524.2 million, driven by expanded reach into schools and higher government orders. Gross margins improved to 45 percent from 40 percent, reflecting improved operational efficiency.
Operating expenses rose 8 percent to Sh167.9 million, largely due to increased investment in marketing and promotional activities. Finance costs, however, fell 22 percent following the successful restructuring of short-term borrowings into longer-tenor facilities, easing pressure on the company's cash flow.
The period was not without its challenges. Delayed government capitation disbursements and constrained public spending held back book supplies to schools, while sustained pressure on household incomes continued to weigh on discretionary purchases.
Looking ahead, the Group is projecting a stronger second-half performance, underpinned by improved margins and a more diversified product portfolio. The Board is focused on scaling its digital learning solutions, including a targeted rollout of 50,000 devices and continuing the expansion of the Mybidhaa e-commerce platform.
