Safwan Thabet’s stake in Juhayna drops by $65 million

Key Points

• Safwan Thabet’s stake in Juhayna has lost over $65 million in value amid a sharp stock decline on the Egyptian Exchange.
• Juhayna shares have fallen 18.44% in six weeks, dropping the company’s market value to under $580 million.
• Despite losses, Thabet remains a top EGX investor; Juhayna stock is still among the most valuable on the Egyptian Exchange.

Egyptian businessman Safwan Thabet, a well-known name in North Africa’s consumer goods industry, has taken a major hit. The value of his shares in Juhayna Food Industries (Juhayna) has dropped by over $65 million, as the company’s stock continues to slide on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). Juhayna, which produces dairy, juice, and cooking products, has been facing sustained pressure in the market.

Thabet wealth drops amid stock slump

Thabet, a renowned figure among the nation’s top investors, who holds a majority 50.1 percent stake in Juhayna through Pharon Investments Limited, has lost EGP3.35 billion ($65.16 million) from his holdings over the past 43 days, dragging the market value of his stake below $290 million.

This downturn comes after a strong run earlier in the year. Between Feb. 4 and Feb. 24, Thabet’s stake jumped by $36.62 million, rising from EGP16.27 billion ($321.69 million) to EGP18.12 billion ($358.31 million). But that brief surge has given way to renewed market jitters, as investors react cautiously to sweeping U.S. tariffs that have rattled confidence.

Stock slide despite strong market position

Founded more than 40 years ago by Safwan Thabet, Juhayna has grown into one of Egypt’s leading producers of dairy products, juices, and packaged foods. But despite its long-standing reputation, investors on the EGX have been steadily cutting back their holdings in the company.

Over the past six weeks, Juhayna’s stock has dropped by 18.44 percent—slipping from EGP38.50 ($0.7496) on February 23 to EGP31.40 ($0.6113). The decline has knocked the company’s market value down to under $580 million, erasing a sizable chunk of shareholder wealth in the process.

As a result, Thabet’s stake has fallen by EGP3.35 billion ($65.16 million), from EGP18.15 billion ($353.31 million) on Feb. 24 to EGP14.8 billion ($288.16 million) at the time of drafting this report. Even with the recent losses, Thabet remains one of the richest investors on the Egyptian Stock Exchange.

Your money and your life

Year-to-date, Juhayna’s stock has declined by 6.27 percent, yet it still ranks among the most valuable companies on the EGX. A $100,000 investment at the start of 2025 would now be worth $93,730—reflecting a loss of $6,270.