JB Foods Limited swung to a positive EBITDA of USD 89.9 million for the six months ended Sept 30, 2025, from a loss of USD 44.4 million a year earlier, as higher average selling prices and hedging gains underpinned a 57.7 per cent year-on-year rise in revenue to USD 794.5 million.

The board declared a special dividend of 2.80 Singapore cents a share alongside an interim dividend of 0.20 Singapore cents, both payable in December 2025.

Management attributed the earnings turnaround to operational improvements, favourable hedge positions and wider margins on customer contracts, which more than offset an uptick in administrative expenses linked to staff costs and performance incentives.

The company cautioned that cocoa-bean prices remain volatile, even though they have cooled from 2024 highs. It said demand is stabilising as manufacturers adjust formulations and buying patterns. Potential headwinds include compliance costs tied to the EU Deforestation Regulation and recent U.S. tariff measures.

Looking ahead, JB Foods plans to strengthen fundamentals, optimise working capital and pursue sustainable-growth initiatives while maintaining flexibility in sourcing, pricing and hedging strategies to navigate shifting market conditions.

Chief executive officer Tey How Keong said the first-half performance reflected disciplined execution and reiterated the group’s focus on long-term shareholder value through prudent capital allocation and operational resilience.