National Foods Posts Record Year And Rich Payout
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National Foods Limited closed a year that looks almost two stories in one. The core kitchen brands kept growing. A large sale of an overseas business then lifted the group result into rare territory.
The board, meeting in Karachi on 18 September 2026, recommended a final cash dividend of Rs 5 per share, or 100 percent. That sits on top of interim payouts already sent out at Rs 25 a share. Full-year cash comes to Rs 30 per share. No bonus issue was proposed.
What The Group Actually Earned
Consolidated net sales rose about 14 percent to Rs 50.65 billion. Gross profit grew faster, to Rs 19.45 billion, as costs rose more slowly than revenue.
Profit from continuing operations nearly tripled to Rs 5.92 billion. The bigger swing came from discontinued operations: Rs 20.47 billion after tax, largely tied to the earlier sale of a majority stake in Canadian unit A-1 Bags & Supplies and the revaluation of what was kept. Group profit for the year reached Rs 26.39 billion, against Rs 4.42 billion a year earlier. Total earnings per share came in at Rs 111.42.
The Standalone Picture Still Matters
On a company-only basis, sales were Rs 49.90 billion and profit after tax Rs 5.65 billion. Standalone EPS improved to Rs 24.26 from Rs 13.65. Operating profit rose sharply, and finance costs fell.
That is the number most useful for judging the Pakistan spices, recipes and condiments franchise without the one-off gain.
Dates Shareholders Should Diary
The annual general meeting is set for 26 October 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi, with a video link for those who cannot attend.
Share books close from 19 to 26 October. Transfers received by the registrar by close of business on 16 October will count for the final dividend. Names on the register on 19 October get the payout.
The year was not only a windfall. Volumes, pricing and a lighter interest bill helped the continuing business. The sale recycled capital and left a much larger equity base on the group balance sheet. Investors will now watch whether the core franchise can keep compounding without another disposal of that size.
