BELUGA GROUP announces the Board of Directors recommendations about the amount of dividends for 2021
At the meeting held on April 11, the Board of Directors recommended that the Annual General Shareholders Meeting approve the payment of final dividends for 2021 in the amount of RUB 47.24 per share before tax, for a total of 649.3 mln rubles, excluding payment of dividends on treasury shares*. If the general meeting of shareholders approves the final dividends, the total payment for the year, including the interim dividends paid for 1H2021, will be RUB 120 per share before tax. In this case, the payment of dividend per share for 2021 will rise 20% higher compared to the previous year.
The total payment of dividends on outstanding shares (excluding treasury shares) will be RUB 1,649.3 mln**, which is more than 40% of BELUGA GROUP’s net consolidated profit for 2021 under IFRS.
Alexander Mechetin, CEO of BELUGA GROUP, commented, “BELUGA GROUP demonstrated strong financial results in 2021: revenue grew by 18%, EBITDA by 14%, net profit by 57%. I would like to note that excluding write off of auxiliary trademarks (RUB 596 million), which is a one-time paper loss, the company's profit would reach RUB 4,457 mln (+81% to 2020 net profit).
The strong financial performance of 2021 makes it possible to pay dividends for the year even under conditions of instability in the country and the world. I would like to note that BELUGA GROUP has strong positions in all directions of business, including import, export and in-house production. We have taken a number of anti-crisis measures aimed at strengthening cash flow and reducing the risks associated with sanctions restrictions, primarily in the areas of logistics and production support. We have a wide portfolio of brands at our disposal, covering almost all categories of alcohol and price segments, which allows us to satisfy any needs of our consumers. Another advantage of the group in turbulent times is its in-house retail chain, where we can adjust pricing in a timely manner and receive funds promptly. In general, our team views the market situation through the prism of new opportunities and aims for a good result at the end of the year.”
The Annual General Shareholders Meeting will be held on June 6, 2022 in absentia. The list of entitled attendees will be compiled as of May 12, 2022, and it is recommended that the list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends be drawn up as of June, 17, 2022.
*As of December 31, 2021, BELUGA GROUP held 2,056 thousands quasi-treasury shares.
** In 1H2021 RUB 1 billion was allocated to pay dividends on outstanding shares (excluding treasury shares).