Safoco (SAF) Announces 30% Cash Dividend, Ex-Date April 23

Overview

Safoco (SAF), a food company listed on HOSE, announced a 30% cash dividend for 2025, payable on May 8, with an ex-date of April 23. The company also approved its 2026 business plan, projecting modest revenue and profit growth amid challenging market conditions. The dividend payout amounts to over VND 36 billion, with major shareholders receiving substantial sums.

Key Facts

• Cash dividend rate: 30% (VND 3,000 per share), payable on May 8, 2026.
• Ex-dividend date: April 23, 2026; record date: April 24, 2026.
• Total dividend payout: approximately VND 36 billion.
• Parent company VSF (UPCoM: VSF) holds 51.3% of SAF, expected to receive over VND 18.5 billion.
• Investment firm Công ty TNHH Quản lý Đầu tư Giá Trị Việt holds 24.59%, expecting nearly VND 9 billion.
• CEO Phạm Thị Thu Hồng holds 14.09%, expecting over VND 5 billion.
• 2026 business plan: revenue of VND 750 billion, pre-tax profit of VND 62 billion, slightly higher than 2025.
• SAF’s share price closed at VND 55,500 on April 17, implying a market cap of VND 668 billion and a dividend yield of about 5.41%.

What Happened

Safoco (SAF) announced that April 24 is the record date for its 2025 cash dividend, with the ex-date set for April 23. The dividend is 30% of par value, or VND 3,000 per share, totaling over VND 36 billion. Payment is scheduled for May 8. The company also disclosed changes in its board of supervisors, replacing Phạm Liên Hương with Nguyễn Hòa Hiệp effective April 10, 2026.

At its annual general meeting, SAF approved the 2026 business plan targeting sales volume of 14,200 tons, revenue of VND 750 billion, and pre-tax profit of VND 62 billion, representing slight growth from 2025. The dividend policy for 2026 is expected to maintain the 30% rate. Management noted that 2026 will face challenges from rising input costs due to geopolitical tensions, exchange rate pressures, and interest rates, but Q1 2026 results showed double-digit growth year-on-year, driven by domestic market expansion (70-80% of sales).

Market Context

SAF shares closed at VND 55,500 on April 17, giving a market capitalization of VND 668 billion. The stock trades on HOSE and is part of the consumer staples sector. The announced dividend yield of 5.41% is attractive relative to bank deposit rates and other dividend-paying stocks in Vietnam. The company’s 2026 plan indicates cautious optimism, with modest growth expectations amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Strategic Significance

The 30% cash dividend underscores SAF’s commitment to shareholder returns, supported by stable cash flows from its food business. The company’s focus on the domestic market (70-80% of sales) provides a buffer against export volatility. The maintained dividend policy for 2026 signals confidence in earnings stability. However, the slight growth targets suggest management is prioritizing prudence over aggressive expansion. The dividend payout also benefits major shareholders, including state-owned parent VSF and institutional investors.

What to Watch

• Q1 2026 earnings release to confirm double-digit growth and margin trends.
• Updates on input cost pressures and how SAF manages raw material price increases.
• Any changes in dividend policy for 2026 if business conditions deteriorate.
• Share price reaction post ex-date and potential for dividend-driven buying.
• Regulatory filings related to the board of supervisors change and any further corporate actions.