AGRI-FOOD FIRM Origin Enterprises is to pay its first dividend since its flotation in June 2007, having reported an operating profit of €75.7 million for the year to July 31st, 2009, an increase of 6.7 per cent on the figure of €70.9 million posted the previous year.

The company is recommending a dividend payment of eight cent a share.

Overall revenue at the company, which is 71 per cent owned by Arytza, increased marginally to €1.507 billion, compared to €1.504 billion the previous year.

Yesterday’s results show the agri-nutrition division was a key driver of growth, with profits up 8.8 per cent.