Recent articles for private investors with a focus on dividend announcements

Qinetiq Group propose a final dividend of 5.3pence per share
The Qinetiq Group Board is proposing a final FY23 dividend per share of 5.3p (FY22: 5.0p) making the full year dividend 7.7p (FY22: 7.3p). The full year dividend represents an increase of 5% in line with the Group's progressive dividend policy.

United Utilities Group announce a recommended final dividend of 30.34p
The United Utilities Group PLC Board has proposed a final dividend of 30.34 pence per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 March 2023. Taken together with the interim dividend of 15.17 pence per ordinary share, paid in February, this results in a total dividend per ordinary share for 2022/23 of 45.51 pence. This is an increase of 4.6 per cent compared with the dividend relating to last year, in line with the group's dividend policy of targeting a growth rate of CPIH inflation each year through to 2025. The 4.6 per cent increase is based on the CPIH element included within allowed regulated revenue for the 2022/23 financial year (i.e. the movement in CPIH between November 2020 and November 2021).

Tate & Lyle plc announce a final dividend of 2.5% to 13.1p per share
The Tate & Lyle Board is recommending a 0.3p or 2.5% increase in the final dividend to 13.1p (2022 - 12.8p) per share. In the previous year, the final dividend was re-based to reflect the Primient transaction and the associated share consolidation, while the interim dividend was paid at a higher rate (before re-basing). Reflecting this the full year dividend of 18.5p per share is lower than the prior year amount of 21.8p (18.1p rebased for reduced earnings base following the Primient transaction and impact of the share consolidation). Subject to shareholder approval, the proposed final dividend will be due and payable on 2 August 2023 to all shareholders on the Register of Members on 23 June 2023. In addition to the cash dividend option, shareholders will continue to be offered a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) alternative.

Pets at Home Group Plc announce a final dividend per share of 8.3p
The Pets at Home Group Plc Board has recommended a final dividend of 8.3 pence per share, an increase of 10.7% on the prior year. This takes the total dividend for the year to 12.8 pence per share, an increase of 8.5% on the prior year, reflecting our strong cash performance and balance sheet. The final dividend will be payable on 11 July 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of trading on 16 June 2023.

Johnson Matthey plc announce a final ordinary dividend of 55.0 pence per share
The Johnson Matthey plc board will propose a final ordinary dividend for the year of 55.0 pence per share at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20th July 2023. Together with the interim dividend of 22.0 pence per share, this gives a total ordinary dividend of 77.0 pence per share, maintained at the same level as the prior year. Subject to approval by shareholders, the final dividend will be paid on 1stAugust 2023, with an ex-dividend date of 8th June 2023.

Workspace Group announce a total dividend per share up 20% to 25.8p per share
The Workspace Group Board is recommending a final dividend of 17.4p per share, taking the full year dividend to 25.8p (2022: 21.5p), to be paid on 4 August 2023 to shareholders on the register at 7 July 2023. The dividend will be paid as a REIT Property Income Distribution (PID) net of withholding tax where appropriate.

Intermediate Capital Group announce total dividends for FY23 of 77.5p per share
Intermediate Capital Group announce total dividends for FY23 of 77.5p per share, a year-on-year increase of 2.0% and the thirteenth consecutive annual increase in ordinary dividend per share; 21% annualised growth in dividend per share over the last five years.

Young's & Co Brewery are to recommend a final dividend of 10.26 pence, resulting in a total dividend for the year of 20.52 pence, up by 9.1%
The Young & Co's Brewerly board is proposing a final dividend in respect of the period ended 3 April 2023 of 10.26 pence per share at a cost of £6.0 million. If approved, it is expected to be paid on 13 July 2023 to shareholders who are on the register of members at the close of business on 9 June 2023.

AJ Bell plc announce an interim dividend of 3.50 pence per share
The AJ Bell plc Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.50 pence per share, equating to a 26% increase from prior year (HY22: 2.78 pence per share). This represents a higher payment than would have resulted from applying their stated interim dividend policy, which would have resulted in an increase in the interim dividend of only 6% compared to an increase in diluted earnings per share for the period of 57%. The Board has therefore decided to declare a higher interim dividend to ensure the growth in interim dividend more closely aligns with the phasing of financial performance during the current year. The full year dividend policy of paying out 65% of statutory profit after tax remains unchanged.

Emis Group Plc announce a final dividend of 21.1pence per share
Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 29 June 2023, the Emis Group Board proposes an increase in the final dividend to 21.1p (2021: 17.6p) per ordinary share, payable on 11 July 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 16 June 2023. This would make a total dividend of 38.7p (2021: 35.2p) per ordinary share for 2023. This is 10% higher than in the prior year, reflecting the underlying growth of the Group and its positive future prospects.

SSE to recommend a final dividend of 67.7p
An interim dividend of 29.0p per ordinary share (2022: 25.5p) was declared and paid on 9 March 2023 by SSE to those shareholders on the SSE plc share register on 13 January 2023. Shareholders were able to elect to receive ordinary shares credited as fully paid instead of the interim cash dividend under the terms of the Company's scrip dividend scheme.

LondonMetric Property plc announce a Q4 dividend today of 2.6p
LondonMetrics Property Plc follow a policy of paying a sustainable and progressive dividend remains unchanged and the dividend declared this year is 109% covered by EPRA earnings. They have continued to declare quarterly dividends and offer shareholders a scrip alternative to cash payments.

Great Portland Estates announce a total dividend for the year of 12.6 pence per share
Great Portland Estates announce that together with the interim dividend of 4.7 pence per share, the total dividend for the year is 12.6 pence per share, consistent with the prior 12 months.

Severn Trent plc announce a proposed final dividend of 64.09 pence
In line with their policy for AMP7 to increase the dividend by at least CPIH each year, the Severn Trent Board has proposed a final ordinary dividend of 64.09 pence per share for 2022/23 (2021/22: 61.28 pence per share). This gives a total ordinary dividend for the year of 106.82 pence (2021/22: 102.14 pence).

Avon Protection have proposed an interim dividend of 14.3 cents per share
The Avon Protection Plc Board has proposed an interim dividend of 14.3 cents per share (HY22: 14.3 cents) in line with the interim dividend last year. The interim dividend will be paid in pounds sterling on 8 September 2023 to shareholders on the register at 11 August 2023. The final dividend will be converted into pounds sterling for payment at the prevailing exchange rate which will be announced prior to payment.

Assura Plc announce a proposed 5% increase in the quarterly dividend to 0.82 pence per share
Assura Plc announce a 5% increase in the quarterly dividend payment to 0.82 pence with effect from the July 2023 payment, equivalent to 3.28 pence per share on an annualised basis.

Victorian Plumbing Group Plc announce an interim dividend of 0.45p per share declared
The Victorian Plumbing Group Plc Board has declared an interim dividend of 0.45 pence per share (H1 2022: nil) which is a total cash distribution to shareholders of £1.5m. The dividend will be paid on 7 July 2023 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 9 June 2023.

Bytes Technology Group Plc proposes a final dividend of 5.1 pence per share and a special dividend of 7.5 pence per share
- The Bytes Technology Group Plc Board proposes a final dividend of 5.1 pence per share and a special dividend of 7.5 pence per share.

RS Group Plc announce a final dividend increased to 13.7p
The RS Group Board proposes to increase the final dividend to 13.7p per share. This will be paid on 21 July 2023 to shareholders on the register on 16 June 2023. As a result, the total proposed dividend for 2022/23 will be 20.9p per share, representing an increase of 16% over the 2021/22 full-year dividend. Adjusted earnings dividend cover for 2022/23 was 3.0 times.

Watkins Jones PLC announce an interim dividend of 1.4p
The Watkin Jones Plc Board has declared an interim dividend for the period of 1.4 pence per share, which will be paid on 30 June 2023 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 9 June 2023. The shares will go ex-dividend on 8 June 2023.

Cranswick Plc announce a full year dividend increased by 5.0% to 79.4p
The Cranswick Board is proposing a final dividend of 58.8 pence per share, an increase of 5.8 per cent on the 55.6 pence paid last year. Together with the interim dividend of 20.6 pence per share, this equates to a total dividend for the year of 79.4 pence per share, an increase of 5.0 per cent on last year and extends the consecutive years of dividend growth to 33.

Helical Plc announce a final dividend proposed of 8.70p per share, an increase of 5.5%
The Helical Plc Board will be recommending to Shareholders a final dividend of 8.70p per share, an increase of 5.5% on last year. If approved by Shareholders at the 2023 AGM, the total dividend for the year will be 11.75p, up 5.4% on 2022.

Kainos PLC have proposed a final dividend of 16.1per share
Kainos PLC have proposed a final dividend recommended by Directors is 16.1p and, if approved by shareholders, will be paid on 20 October 2023 to shareholders on the register on 29 September 2023, with an ex-dividend date of 28 September 2023. This will make the total dividend for the year 23.9p (2022: 22.2p) which will represent a distribution of 56% of adjusted profit after taxation (2022: 58%).

Investec has proposed a final dividend of 17.5p per share
The Investec Board has proposed a final dividend of 17.5p per share, resulting in a full year dividend of 31.0p (FY2022: 25.0p). The payout ratio of 45.0% is within the Group's 30% to 50% payout range.

Premier Foods propose a final dividend of 1.44pence per share
Premier Foods directors have proposed a final dividend of 1.44 pence in respect of the 52 weeks ended 1 April 2023 (FY21/22: 1.2p), payable on 28 July 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 30 June 2023. The shares will go ex-dividend on 29 June 2023. This represents a 20% increase in the dividend paid per share compared to FY21/22, is ahead of adjusted earnings per share growth and is consistent with Board's approach of proposing a progressive dividend to shareholders.

National Grid announces a recommended final dividend of 37.60p to bring full year dividend to 55.44p
The National Grid Board has recommended an increase in the final dividend to 37.60p per ordinary share ($2.3459 per American Depository Share), which will be paid on 9 August 2023 to shareholders on the register of members as at 2 June 2023. If approved, this will bring the full-year dividend to 55.44p per ordinary share, an increase of 8.77% over the 50.97p per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 2022. This is in line with the increase in average UK CPIH inflation for the year ended 31 March 2023 as set out in their dividend policy.

BT Group announce a final dividend of 5.39 pence per share (pps) bringing the full year dividend to 7.70pps
BT Group announce a final dividend of 5.39 pence per share (pps) bringing the full year dividend to 7.70pps, flat year on year

Burberry Group announce a final dividend per share proposed at 44.5p
Burberry Group announce a final dividend per share proposed at 44.5p and with the interim of 16.5p gives a combined full year dividend per share of 61.0p - 30% ahead of FY22.

Experian plc announce a second interim dividend up 6% to USc37.75 per ordinary share
A second interim dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2023 of 37.75 US cents per ordinary share will be paid by Experian on 21 July 2023, to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 23 June 2023. Unless shareholders elect by 23 June 2023 to receive US dollars, their dividends will be paid in pounds sterling at a rate per share calculated on the basis of the exchange rate from US dollars to pounds sterling on 30 June 2023.

Sage Group plc announce an interim dividend up 4% to 6.55p
Sage Group have announced an interim dividend of 6.55p per share that will be paid on 23 June 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 June 2023. The Company's distributable reserves are sufficient to support the payment of this dividend. This condensed consolidated half-yearly financial report does not reflect this proposed dividend payable.

The JD Sports Fashion Board proposes paying a final dividend of 0.67p
The JD Sports Fashion Board proposes paying a final dividend of 0.67p (2022: 0.35p) bringing the total dividend payable for the 52 week period ended 28 January 2023 to 0.80p (52 week period ended 29 January 2022: 0.35p) per ordinary share. Whilst this is a significant increase on the prior period, the Board believes that it is appropriate as it returns the dividend cover, when measured relative to the adjusted earnings per ordinary share, to the levels paid in the period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2019: 0.34p - restated). Subject to shareholder approval at their AGM, the proposed final dividend will be paid on 4 August 2023 to all shareholders on the register at 7 July 2023. As indicated in Capital Markets Event, they continue to believe that it is in the longer term interests of all shareholders to prioritise the available funding for ongoing development opportunities including investing in both stores and infrastructure as well as potential acquisitions.

Ninety One plc have proposed final dividend of 6.7p per share
The Ninety One Board has recommended a final dividend of 6.7p per share. Of this, 4.3p per share represents 50% of profit after tax prior to the recognition of non-operating items and 2.4p per share represents after-tax earnings after ensuring that they have sufficient capital to meet current or expected changes in the regulatory capital requirements and investment needs, as well as a reasonable buffer to protect against fluctuations in those requirements.

British Land Co plc announce a full year dividend of 22.64p per share up 3.3%
British Land Co plc declare a full-year dividend of 22.64p per share up 3.3%, final dividend to be paid on 28 July 2023

Britvic announce an interim dividend of 8.2p, up 5.1%
The Britvic Board is proposing an interim dividend of 8.2p per share, with a total value of £21.2m. The interim dividend for 2023 will be paid on 5 July 2023 to shareholders on record as of 26 May 2023. The ex-dividend date is 25 May 2023.

Vodafone recommend a total dividends per share of 9.0 eurocents
The Vodafone Board is recommending total dividends per share of 9.0 eurocents for the year. This includes a final dividend of 4.5 eurocents compared to 4.5 eurocents in the prior year.

Diploma PLC declare an interim dividend of 16.5 pence per share
The Diploma Directors have declared an interim dividend of 16.5 per share (2022: 15.0p) which will be paid on 9 June 2023 to shareholders on the register on 26 May 2023. The total value of the dividend will be £22.1m (2022: £18.7m). No liability has been recognised on the balance sheet at 31 March 2023 in respect of the interim dividend (2022: same). During the period, the Directors became aware that approximately £2.5m of the FY21 interim dividend declared on 17 May 2021 was paid other than in accordance with the technical requirements of the Companies Act 2006. This was because interim accounts had not been filed at Companies house prior to the declaration of the dividend. It is intended that this technical issue, which has no impact on the Company's financial position, be ratified by a shareholders' resolution to be proposed in due course.

Cerillion PLC announce an interim dividend up 27% to 3.3p
Cerillion PLC are to declare an increased interim dividend of 3.3p per share (H1 2022: 2.6p), a 27% rise year-on-year. The interim dividend will become payable on 23 June 2023 to those shareholders on the Company's register as at the close of business on the record date of 2 June 2023. The ex-dividend date is 1 June 2023.

Grainger Plc announce a dividend increase of 10% to 2.28p per share
Grainger PLC has announced an interim dividend of 2.28p (March 2022: 2.08p) per share which will return £16.9m (March 2022: £15.4m) of cash to shareholders. In the six months ended 31 March 2023, the final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2022 which amounted to £28.8m has been paid.

Character Group Plc declares an interim of 8.0p per share
The Character Group Board remains committed to maintaining a progressive dividend policy. The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 8.0p per share (HY 2022: 7.0p; final dividend 2022: 10.0p). Although this is not supported by earnings cover (HY 2022 3.6 times), it reflects the Board's confidence in the Group's prospects for a second half recovery and performance beyond the current financial year.

Airtel Africa Plc announces a final dividend of 3.27 cents per share
The Airtel Africa Plc Board has recommended a final dividend of 3.27 cents per share, making the total dividend for FY'23 5.45 cents per share, an increase of 9% in line with their progressive dividend policy.

3i Group announce a total dividend of 53.0 pence per share
3i Group Board announce a total dividend of 53.0 pence per share for FY2023, with a second FY2023 dividend of 29.75 pence per share to be paid in July 2023 subject to shareholder approval.

Compass Group Plc announce an interim dividend of 15.0p per share
The Compass Group Board have announced an interim dividend of 15.0p per share to be payable in July 2023.

Anexo Group Plc to propose a final dividend of 1.5p per share
The Anexo Group plc Board to propose a final dividend of 1.5p per share, which if approved at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 15 June 2023 will be paid on 23 June 2023 to those shareholders on the register at the close of business on 26 May 2023. The shares will become ex-dividend on 25 May 2023 (2021: total dividend 1.5p per share).

Treatt PLC has declared an interim dividend at 2.55 pence per share
The Treatt PLC Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.55 pence per share (2022 interim: 2.50 pence per share). This reflects a balance of the Board's understanding of the importance of dividend payments to shareholders, effective financial discipline and transitioning towards a healthy long term dividend cover of up to 3 times. The interim dividend will be payable on 10 August 2023 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 30 June 2023.

Victrex proposes to maintain their interim dividend at 13.42p/share
The Victrex PLC Board is proposing to maintain the interim dividend at 13.42p/share (H1 2022: 13.42p/share).

Virgin Money UK PLC announce an interim dividend of 3.3pence per share
Virgin Money UK PLC have announced an interim dividend (the Interim Dividend) in respect of the six months ended 31 March 2023 of 3.3p per ordinary share in the Company (H1 2022:2.5p).

Smiths News announces an interim dividend of 1.4pws
An interim dividend of 1.4p per share will be paid on 6 July 2023 by Smiths News to shareholders on the register on 9 June 2023; the ex-dividend date will be 8 June 2023. "This distribution is in line with last year and consistent with the Company's intention, subject to performance, of paying total annual dividends of £10.0m p.a., the maximum payable under the terms of our banking facilities which mature in August 2025."

BP announce an interim dividend of 6.610 cents per share
BP today announced an interim dividend of 6.610 cents per ordinary share which is expected to be paid on 23 June 2023 to ordinary shareholders and American Depositary Share (ADS) holders on the register on 12 May 2023. The ex-dividend date will be 11 May 2023. The corresponding amount in sterling is due to be announced on 6 June 2023, calculated based on the average of the market exchange rates over three dealing days between 31 May 2023 and 2 June 2023.

The HSBC Board has approved a first interim dividend of $0.10 per share
The HSBC Board has approved a first interim dividend of $0.10 per share. They also intend to initiate a share buy-back of up to $2bn, which they expect to commence following their 2023 Annual General Meeting ('AGM'). The share buy-back is expected to have an approximately 25bps impact on the CET1 capital ratio.
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