…as shareholders commends dividend payment
NASCON Allied Industries Plc has recorded an impressive growth in all performance indicators in the year ended December 31, 2022, with profit after tax surging by 84 percent, from N2.97 billion to N5.47 billion. Shareholders at the company’s 2022 annual general meeting (AGM) held at the weekend in Lagos commended the board and management of NASCON for consistent payment of dividends.
Analysis of the food seasoning company’s annual report indicated that profit before tax rose significantly by 98 percent, from N4.24 billion to N8.37 billion, representing an increase of N4.12 billion.
Turnover was on the upswing, increasing from N33.28 billion to N58.79 billion, a 77 percent increase compared to 2021. Earnings per share also increased to 206 kobo in 2022 in contrast to 112 kobo in 2021. A total of N2.65 billion is to be paid as dividend compared to N1.06 billion in 2021.
Speaking at the AGM, a shareholder, Mr Tunde Badmus, applauded the management for the impressive performance and efficient running of the company, amid harsh economic environment. Badmus appreciated the company for the dividend declared despite the challenging operating environment.
Also speaking, Mr Anthony Omojola, the former National-Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded the board and management of NASCON for improved performance and declaration of dividend. Omojola said that the company had remained consistent in dividend payment over the years.
He, however, urged the company to work with registrars and investors relations department to tackle the rising unclaimed dividends in the market.
The shareholders at the meeting approved the payment of N1 per 50k share totalling N2.65 billion recommended by the board.
This was in contrast with N1.06 billion or 40k per share declared in the comparative period of 2021.
However, the National Salt Company of Nigeria was established as a salt refinery at Ijoko, Ogun State in 1973, as a joint venture between the Federal Military Government of Nigeria and Atlantic Salt & Chemical Inc. of Los Angeles, California, USA.
The Company was privatised in 1991 with its shares listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in October 1992, through which Dangote Industries Limited purchased majority shares. Following the reverse takeover of NASCON by Dangote Salt Limited (DSL) in 2007, NASCON acquired the assets, liabilities, and business undertakings of DSL.
Principal activities of the company include processing raw salt into refined, edible, and industrial salt. NASCON is also into the production of seasoning and vegetable oil.
(Naira Metrics)