May & Baker Nigeria Plc has sustained its positive performance despite the inclement operating environment, recording profit after tax (PAT) of N30.09 million for the half year ended June 30, 2016.
Details of the results showed that May & Baker recorded a turnover of N3.70 billion, showing an increase of nine per cent above the N29.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2015. The company continued to benefit from management’s focus on overall operational efficiency.
For instance, while administrative expenses rose on the back of the high inflation from N263.45 million to N309.48 million; distribution, sales and marketing expenses dropped by 12.4 per cent from N583.20 million to N510.84 million. In all, total operating expenses declined to N820.31 million in 2016 as against N846.65 million in 2015, while finance costs reduced from N284.38 million to N255.80 million.
Consequently, profit before tax rose to N44.25 million, up from N43.73 million recorded in comparable period of 2015, while PAT increased from N29.73 million to N30.09 million. Earnings per share thus improved from 3.03 kobo in 2015 to 3.07 kobo in 2016.
Market analysts said the performance has raised the prospects of good returns in the ongoing business year. The company had increased total dividend payout by 20 per cent to N58.8 million, for the 2015 business year compared to what it paid for 2014 business year.
Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, had told shareholders at the 2016 annual general meeting (AGM) that management would remain focused on improving the performance of the company in spite of the challenges in the macro economy. He assured that the company will remain focused on its long-term goal of building a virile and diversified business that can ensure good competitive long-term returns to the shareholders.
Speaking in a similar vein, Chairman of the company, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), told shareholders that the company was set to break new grounds and enhance the value of their investments.
He said May & Baker Nigeria plans to expand into new business areas as it seeks new opportunities that will add value to its performance while sustaining the growth of existing businesses and investments.
According to him, with its existing businesses showing resilience and the continuing operational efficiency of its World Health Organisation (WHO)-certified pharmaceutical complex in Ota, Ogun State, May & Baker is shifting focus to acquire new competences and expand its business into new profitable ventures.
