Against the background of the tough challenges that marked the operating environment of the downstream oil sector, the nation’s total energy provider, Conoil Plc turnover still surged by 14.4% to N139.8 billion in 2019.
Conoil’s 2019 full year results, made available to journalists, showed that the company maintained its leadership position in the industry, reaping bountifully from the huge investments in its business portfolios.
The company recorded a 9.8% growth in Profit After Tax which rose to N1.97 billion in 2019 from N1.79 billion posted in 2018. Operating Profit on ordinary activities before taxation and exceptional items grew by 10.4% from N2.56 billion to N2.83 billion.
The company also recorded an increase of 10.2% in its Net Assets from N15.26 billion to N16.82 billion.
The management said given the impressive performance, and in fulfilment of its promise to its teeming shareholders, the company has proposed N1.39 billion as dividend payout to shareholders for the financial year ending December 2019.
This meant that shareholders will get 200 kobo on every 50 kobo ordinary share.
Explaining the company’s impressive growths in turnover and profitability, a statement issued by the management said: Conoil attributed the impressive results to effective cost management strategy, aggressive marketing and improved sales. We re-positioned our retail stations by embarking on massive upgrade of the outlets thereby boosting sales.”
“The modest dividend proposal is hinged on the need to consolidate our cash management effort vis-à-vis the liquidity squeeze in the economy. We look forward to opportunities in the coming years to continue to deliver solid financial results and increase competitive returns and shareholder value,” the company stated.
Conoil said that its would continue to leverage on its strong, leadership position in the industry to deliver value to investors through taking advantage of emerging opportunities in the industry opportunities.
It stated that it had launched far-reaching initiatives to strengthen its income base in core business segments of retail, lubricants, aviation, and specialized products.
At its last annual general meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Chairman, Conoil Plc, Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jr), had assured its shareholders that conscious efforts would be directed at achieving better execution of value-added products and services especially in the areas of marketing and customer management.
He had promised that the company would embarked on strategic cost reduction while ensuring that the future growth potential of its business was not sacrificed.