Bulgarian cigarette producer Bulgartabac Holding registered net profit of 43.064 million leva in 2006 compared to 12.360 million leva for 2005, the company's annual report showed.

The annual shareholders meeting approved the annual financial report on July 28, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

Bulgartabac's operational profit for the entire 2006 was 87.642 million leva, an increase of 42.314 million leva compared to figures for 2005.

The company's shareholders decided to distribute 10 per cent of the profit for 2006 or 4 306 400 leva to the reserve fund and 50 per cent of the remaining profit, 19 378 800 leva as dividends.

The company will distribute dividends of 2.63 leva per share.