Business
Guinness Shareholders Approve N11.1bn Dividend
The shareholders of Guinness Nigeria Plc, have approved the payment of N11.1 billion dividends amounting to N7.50 kobo per share for the financial year ended June 30, 2009.
At the company’s 59th yearly general meeting in Lagos, a cross section of the shareholders commended the management for remaining on the part of profitability despite various challenges.
Sir, Sunny Nwosu chairman of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) commended the workers of the company for their dedication to duties.
According to him, workers of Guinness Nigeria Plc, have continued to strive as part of measures to position the company for the challenges ahead.
He spoke on sundry issues, urged the management of the company to put structures in place aimed at paying bonus to shareholders at next year’s yearly general meeting.
The chairman, Mr. Babatunde Salvage, in his statement, said Guinness remains stable and strong with “impressive performance and great heritage”.
Furthermore, he explained that within the period under review, the company has made significant progress in all operational parameter.
“Our Management Director, Devin Hainsworth, the leadership team and our over 1,000 employees have worked together successfully to execute the company’s strategy, deliver on our commitments and position the company for future growth Salvage explained.
While briefing the shareholders, Salvage explained that with strong brand and talented people, “We will continue to improve our processes to achieve excellence in project execution and service delivery in order to achieve accelerated growth”.
Highlights of results approved at the Board Meeting include a turnover of N89 billion which represents an increase of 29 per cent over the previous years result and a trading profit N19.81 billion, an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year.
Earnings per share also increased by 14 per cent to 918 kobo profit before tax grew by 11 per cent to N19 billion up from N17 billion.
Briefing the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recently salvage said the company had brought innovation into its business adding that Nigeria is now the second largest market for Guinness in the world.
He explained that with over 80,000 shareholders Guinness has put necessary structures in place aimed at improving on its performance.
Mr. Delvin Haivesworth, the Managing Director of the company attributed the company’s performance in the financial year under review to “Management Winning Strategy”.
According to him “It is noteworthy that despite the harsh economic climate in the global and Nigerian economies and increased competitiveness the shares of Guinness Nigeria has remained stable and attractive to investors which demonstrates the confidence that the public has in Guinness Nigeria Plc”.
Making reference to its key corporate social responsibility (CSR), which falls under the “Water of Life Scheme” Guinness said it has provided water for over 450,000 people in various communities in Lagos, Ogun, Benue, Oyo and Abia states between 2008/2009.
It added that roads have also been constructed in Benin City, Edo State while about 10 students are presently benefiting from its scholarship scheme among others.
However, to maintain a share perception of the company’s goal, Hainsworth said Guinness is committed to communicating information to employees in a fast and effective a manner as possible.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
