WHL declares 40 pc dividend

Western Hatcheries Limited WHL has declared a 40 per cent dividend bettering last year8217;s performance of 35 per cent. WHL8217;s turnover has gone up by 15 per cent while profits have increased by 21.85 per cent enabling this hike in dividend for the year ended March 31, 1999. The earning per share stands at Rs 17.88 and cash earning per share is Rs 25.33 The turnover of Western Hatcheries Limited has jumped to Rs 221.72 crore this year from Rs 192.06 crore during the previous year.

Net profit has increased from Rs 11.30 crore last year to Rs 13.77 crores this year. Profit before tax has gone up to Rs 19.37 crore from Rs 14.80 crores last year. From the profits Rs 2.75 crore has been appropriated towards provision for taxes for previous years.

In Pune yesterday the board presented a positive outlook for the company in the current year. The animal health products, poultry and feed division, SPF and solvent extract plant are expected to perform well this year.