Islamabad: Pakistan Tobacco Company has declared a significant fourth interim cash dividend following its board meeting on October 24, 2024. The declared dividend of Rs. 30.00 per share, which amounts to 300%, adds to the already paid interim dividend of Rs. 95.00 per share for the year, totaling 950%.
For the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, the company reported a gross turnover of 81.11 billion rupees, a slight decrease from 87.89 billion rupees in the corresponding period last year. After accounting for excise duties and sales tax, the net turnover stood at 29.93 billion rupees, an increase from 28.18 billion rupees in the previous year.
Domestic turnover for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, rose significantly to 255.54 billion rupees from 217.05 billion rupees the previous year, while export turnover also saw an increase, totaling 6.88 billion rupees compared to 4.30 billion rupees in the previous period.
According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), gross profit for the quarter was reported at 18.42 billion rupees, slightly higher than last year’s 17.29 billion rupees. However, the nine-month period saw a decrease in gross profit to 42.06 billion rupees from 43.92 billion rupees in the previous year.
Operating profit for the third quarter was recorded at 15.16 billion rupees, up from 13.99 billion rupees in the same period last year. The profit before income tax also showed an increase, reaching 16.45 billion rupees. However, total profit for the nine months reflected a slight decrease, with 19.91 billion rupees compared to 20.94 billion rupees year-over-year.
The earnings per share for the quarter stood at 34.91 rupees, down from 38.73 rupees in the previous year, indicating a downturn in profitability per share. The overall financial results and the shareholder entitlements will be detailed further in the quarterly report, which will be transmitted through PUCARS.
The Share Book Transfer Books of the company will be closed from November 1 to November 5, 2024, to prepare for the dividend payment to shareholders registered by October 31, 2024.