Kyungdong Pharmaceutical Reports 180 Billion KRW in Sales Last Year... 400 KRW Dividend per Share

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Kyungdong Pharmaceutical announced on the 16th that its consolidated sales last year reached 182.7 billion KRW, a 2.9% increase compared to the previous year. Operating profit recorded 9.4 billion KRW, showing a decrease from the previous year. Net profit for the period was 12.8 billion KRW.

Last year, with the surge in COVID-19 variant cases, sales of respiratory-related medicines increased. Prescription drugs such as antitussives and expectorants, antipyretic analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as the over-the-counter medicine 'Geunal-en' showed strong sales. Existing core products in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal prescription drugs also grew based on a solid sales network centered on hospitals and clinics.

Operating profit decreased compared to the previous year due to rising raw material costs and increased various expenses. Research and development expenses were increased to secure growth engines. Investments were expanded for business diversification, including entry into premium health functional foods.

Despite the decrease in net profit, Kyungdong Pharmaceutical decided to pay a dividend of 400 KRW per share. The dividend yield is 4.8%, continuing a shareholder return policy through high dividends. This reflects the company's intention to prioritize shareholder value based on abundant cash liquidity and confidence in continuous growth.

A company official stated, "This year, we will continue investments to secure growth engines and strive to improve profitability," adding, "We will continuously strengthen policies to enhance shareholder value, such as high dividends and share buybacks."