Karachi: National Foods Limited has released its financial results for the period ending December 31, 2024, revealing a series of key figures and decisions at a recent Board of Directors meeting. According to the announcement made on February 24, 2025, the company has declared an interim cash dividend of Rs.2.00 per share, translating to 40 percent, for the quarter ending December 31, 2024. This dividend is noted as the first interim dividend of the period, with no previous interim dividends being distributed.

The company has outlined that the entitlement will be paid to shareholders listed in the Register of Members as of March 07, 2025. The share transfer books will remain closed from March 07 to March 11, 2025, providing a window for any transfer documentation to be completed by March 06, 2025, ensuring timely entitlement processing.

Further analysis of the financial results shows that National Foods Limited achieved net sales of Rs.24.01 billion for the period ending December 31, 2024, an increase from Rs.20.18 billion compared to the same period the previous year. The cost of sales rose to Rs.17.27 billion from Rs.14.55 billion, resulting in a gross profit of Rs.6.74 billion, up from Rs.5.63 billion during the same timeframe last year.

The company reported an operating profit of Rs.1.93 billion, an improvement from Rs.1.57 billion the previous year. Finance costs amounted to Rs.660.02 million, contributing to a profit before tax of Rs.1.29 billion, compared to Rs.952.39 million for the same period the prior year. After accounting for income tax expenses of Rs.273.13 million, National Foods Limited recorded a profit for the period of Rs.1.02 billion, up from Rs.670.29 million in the corresponding period last year.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the total comprehensive income for the period was Rs.596.99 million, compared to Rs.670.59 million in the previous year. The earnings per share were reported at Rs.3.51, compared to Rs.1.94 in the previous year.

In terms of cash flow, the company generated Rs.4.33 billion from operating activities, with a net cash flow from operations amounting to Rs.1.18 billion. Meanwhile, investing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of Rs.1.09 billion, and financing activities saw a net cash outflow of Rs.711.92 million.

The financial results indicate that National Foods Limited is navigating its financial landscape with a focus on maintaining shareholder value through dividends and effective cost management, reflecting its commitment to growth within the designated market category.