Fidson Healthcare proposes ₦1.00 final dividend as pharmaceutical firm signals stable performance

Fidson Healthcare PLC, one of Nigeria’s prominent pharmaceutical manufacturers, has proposed a final dividend of ₦1.00 per 50 kobo share for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, signaling continued confidence in the company’s earnings strength despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The payout, which is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s annual general meeting scheduled for July 31, would be distributed electronically on August 1 to shareholders who are on the register by July 11 and have completed their e-dividend registration.

If approved, the dividend will reinforce Fidson’s standing among Nigeria’s mid-tier listed companies that continue to deliver shareholder returns even amid currency devaluation, inflationary pressures, and a complex operating climate in the healthcare sector. No bonus shares were proposed in this cycle.

Founded in 1995, Fidson has grown from a local distributor to a fully integrated manufacturer with a strong presence in prescription medicines and over-the-counter products. The proposed dividend reflects the company’s continued focus on cash generation and shareholder value, following several years of capacity expansion and regulatory investments.

The dividend announcement comes as Nigerian pharmaceutical firms contend with soaring input costs, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating demand for essential medicines. While many smaller competitors have struggled to stay afloat, Fidson has continued to maintain a relatively resilient performance, underpinned by its backward integration strategy and recent operational upgrades.

Shareholders have been urged to complete their e-dividend registration through Meristem Registrars and Probate Services to avoid delays in payment, and the company also reminded investors to claim any outstanding dividend warrants or share certificates.

With the July closure of its register now confirmed, market analysts will watch closely for Fidson’s audited full-year results, which are expected to offer deeper insight into how the company has navigated rising costs, foreign exchange volatility, and broader healthcare policy shifts in West Africa.