KARACHI, July 27: With the corporate results season in full bloom, several companies declared their results on Wednesday. Faysal Bank, which reported profit after tax at Rs1,914.3 million for the half year ended June 30, 2005, up from Rs1,139 million in the same period last year. The Bank distributed cash dividend at Rs1.5 per share and bonus shares in the ratio of 15 shares for 100 shares held.

Pakistan Premier Fund Limited (PPFL), a closed end fund, managed by Arif Habib Investments, declared bonus shares of 25 per cent for the year ended June 2005. The board also declared interim cash dividend for the financial year 2005-06 at Rs1.50 per share i.e. 15 per cent. PPFL had already distributed an interim cash dividend of 15 per cent for the year 2004-05, which takes total distribution per share at 40 per cent.

The fund’s profit after tax increased by 53 per cent to Rs681.5 million, while its net assets improved by 81 per cent to Rs2.207 billion. For the year, total income is composed of Rs435.1 million from capital gains, Rs66.3 million from dividend income and Rs212.4 million from unrealized appreciation in the value of the portfolio.

Engro Chemical Pakistan posted a consolidated net profit for the first half ended June 30, 2005 at Rs746 million, which compared with Rs483 million earned in the same period last year. The contribution from Engro Chemical was up to Rs731 million, from Rs483 million in the similar six months the previous year. Based on the half year results, the board which met on Wednesday declared interim dividend at Rs3 per share, which is higher by Rs0.50 paid in the corresponding period last year.

BOC Pakistan Limited posted an after tax profit at Rs268.3 million for nine months ended June 30, 2005, showing an increase from Rs215.2 million in the same period last year. Sales rose to Rs1,274.8 million from Rs1,100 million in the comparable period last year.

Habib Sugar Mills posted a net profit at Rs114.1 million for three quarters ended June 30 on sales and services valued at Rs1,963.4 million, up from Rs90.8 million on sales at Rs1,434 million the same period last year. The company omitted a payout.