Recent articles for private investors with a focus on dividend announcements

Vectura Group announce a proposed special dividend of 19pence per share
The proposed Special Dividend of approximately £113 million in aggregate represents 19 pence per Existing Ordinary Share. The Vectura Group Board is proposing to pay the Special Dividend to Shareholders on the Register as at 6.00 p.m. on 28 May 2021.

Associated British Foods announces an interim dividend of 6.2pence per share
Further to the announcement released earlier today by Associated British Foods plc (the 'Company') of its interim results for the 24 weeks ended 27 February 2021, the Company confirms that an interim dividend of 6.2 pence per share will be paid on 9 July 2021 to shareholders on the Company's register of members at the close of business on 4 June 2021.

Epwin PLC announce a recommencement of dividend payments, with proposed final dividend of 1.00 penny per share
The Epwin PLC Board continues to be mindful of the importance of dividends to shareholders. Based on the performance for the year, cash generation of the business and year end net debt position, as well as recognising that no final dividend was declared in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019, the Board intends to recommend a modest final dividend of 1.00 penny per share in respect of the financial year ending 31 December 2020.

Anglo Pacific Group announce a final dividend of 3.75pence per share
Anglo Pacifc announce a recommended final dividend for 2020 of 3.75p, which will take the total dividend for 2020 to 9p per share.

Winkworth plc declare they will pay a dividend of 1.68p per ordinary share
The Directors of M Winkworth Plc ("Winkworth" or the "Company") have announced that the Company will pay a dividend of 2.2p per ordinary share for the first quarter of 2021 to shareholders.

Tesco PLC announces a final dividend of 5.95 pence per share
Tesco PLC announce a proposed final dividend of 5.95pps to take full year dividend to 9.15pps - in line with last year and an exception to their policy, reflecting the importance the Board places on dividends paid to shareholders and its confidence in future cash flows

Next Fifteen Communications announce a reinstatement of the dividend policy with a final dividend proposed for the year ended 31 January 2021 of 7p per ordinary share
Next Fifteen announce a final dividend of 7p per ordinary share will be paid on 13 August 2021 to shareholders listed on the register of members on 9 July 2021. Shares will go ex-dividend on 8 July 2021. In the prior year, given the macroeconomic backdrop due to Covid-19, the Group decided to suspend the final dividend. This makes the total dividend for the year 7p per share (2020: 2.5p).

JD Sports announces a final dividend of 1.44pence per share
Given the significant contribution to profitability from the Group's international operations, particularly those in the United States, the JD Sports Board has concluded, after a careful and considered review, that it is appropriate to resume the payment of dividends. However, the Board also recognises that, in the current situation, dividends should be modest with funding retained for our ongoing development opportunities. Accordingly, the Board proposes paying a final dividend of 1.44p (2020: nil) per ordinary share which is at the same level as the final dividend made after the year to 2 February 2019. Subject to shareholder approval at our AGM, the proposed final dividend will be paid on 2 August 2021 to all shareholders on the register at 25 June 2021.

Caledonia Mining announce a 75% per cent increase from the previous quarterly dividend of 11 cents
Caledonia's strategy to maximise shareholder value includes a quarterly dividend policy which the Board adopted in 2014. The Board will consider future increases in the dividend as appropriate in line with its prudent approach to risk management.

James Halstead announce an interim dividend declared of 4.25p
James Halstead PLC declare an interim dividend of 4.25p per share payable on 4 June 2021 to those shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 May 2021. Last year as the first lockdown commenced they declared a first interim dividend of 2.125p paid on 5 June 2020 followed by a second interim, also of 2.125p, paid on 10 September 2020.

S & U announce final dividend of 43p per ordinary share to be paid on 9 July 2021
Throughout the pandemic, S&U has not furloughed staff nor taken any Government support. Therefore, they have decided this year that a combination of confidence in the post Covid recovery, S&U's financial strength and the prospects for their businesses justifies a final dividend of 43p per share (2020: 50p). Subject, as always, to the approval of shareholders at our AGM on the 20th May 2021, this final dividend will be paid on 9th July 2021 to those on the register on the 18th June 2021.

Central Asia Metals have declared a final dividend of 8pence per share
The Central Asia Metals Company's dividend policy is to return to shareholders a target range of between 30% and 50% of free cash flow, defined as net cash generated from operating activities less sustaining capital expenditure. The dividends will only be paid provided there is sufficient cash remaining in the Group to meet the ongoing contractual debt repayments and that banking covenants are not breached.

Animalcare have declared a final dividend of 2pence per share
An interim dividend of 2.0 pence per share was paid in November 2020.

European Assets Trust PLC announces an April dividend of 2 pence per share
European Assets Trust PLC ("the Company") announces that a dividend of 2.0 pence per share will be paid on 30 April 2021 to shareholders on the register on 9 April 2021, having an ex-dividend date of 8 April 2021.

BioVenrix plc announce a first interim dividend up 20% to 43p per share
The BioVentix Board announces a first interim dividend of 43p per share which represents a 20% increase on last year (36 pence per share).

Smiths Group announce an interim FY2021 dividend of 11.7pence per share
Smiths Group maintains a progressive dividend policy, aiming to increase dividends in line with long-term underlying growth in earnings and cash-flow. The policy enables them to retain sufficient cash-flow to finance investment in the drivers of growth to meet our financial obligations. In setting the level of dividend payments, the Board considers prevailing economic conditions and future investment plans, along with the objective to maintain minimum dividend cover of around 2 times.

International Public Partnerships announce full-year dividend increase of 2.5% to 7.36 pence per share
The International Public Partnerships Company aims to manage its finances efficiently, to provide the financial flexibility to pursue new investment opportunities, whilst minimising levels of unutilised cash holdings. Efficient financial management is achieved through actively monitoring cash held and generated from operations, ensuring cash covered dividends and managed levels of corporate costs. This is supported by appropriate hedging strategies and prudent use of the Company's corporate debt facility ('CDF').

Secure Trust Bank announce a final dividend of 44pence per share
The Board decided not to pay a final dividend in respect of 2019 or a 2020 interim dividend in order to conserve capital. They are to announce that the Board proposes a final dividend for 2020 of 44 pence, recognising both the performance for 2020 and the absence of a final dividend in 2019. The dividend results in an average payout ratio of 25% over the two years. If approved at the AGM, this dividend will be paid on 21 May 2021 to shareholders on the register as at 23 April 2021.

Primary Health Properties announces PID dividend of 1.55
The Primary Health Properties Company announces that the second quarterly interim dividend in 2021 of 1.55 pence per ordinary share of 12.5 pence each will be paid as a Property Income Distribution ("PID") on 21 May 2021 to shareholders on the register on 6 April 2021. The Company will be offering a scrip alternative with this dividend.

Learning Technologies announce a proposed dividend maintained at 2019 level despite impact on the business from COVID-19
The Learning Technologies Board is committed to a progressive dividend policy. Based on strong cash generation and an improved trading outlook and promising recent acquisitions, the Board is confident about the year ahead. It is therefore recommending a final dividend of 0.50 pence per share (2019: 0.50 pence), giving a total dividend for the year of 0.75 pence per share, in line with the prior year.

Bellway PLC announce an interim dividend has been reinstated at 35.0p per share
The proposed interim dividend was approved by the Bellway Board on 23 March 2021 and, in accordance with IAS 10 'Events after the Reporting Period', has not been included as a liability in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements. The interim dividend will be paid on Thursday 1 July 2021 to all ordinary shareholders on the Register of Members on Friday 21 May 2021. The ex-dividend date is Thursday 20 May 2021.

Kenmare PLC announce a full year 2020 dividend recommended of USc10.00 per share, up 22% on 2019, comprised of a USc2.31 per share interim dividend
The Kenmare Board is recommending a 22% increase in dividends for 2020 with a final dividend of USc7.69 per share. In line with plans to increase shareholder returns, they are also increasing their target dividend payment from a minimum of 20% profit after tax to 25% for 2021.

TClarke announce a final dividend of 3.65pence per share
The TClarke Board is proposing a final dividend of 3.65p (2019: 3.65p), maintaining the 2019 dividend level. Total dividend for the year therefore remains at 4.4p (2019: 4.4p). The dividend is covered 2.2 times by underlying earnings. TClarke recognises that many of its shareholders invest for dividends.

Softcat PLC announce an interim dividend of 6.4p per share, up 18.5%
The Softcat Board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 6.4p per share (2020: 5.4p), amounting in total to £12.7m. The interim dividend will be payable on 14 May 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1 April 2021. Shares in the Company will be quoted ex-dividend on 31 March 2021. The dividend reinvestment plan ("DRIP") election date is 23 April 2021.

Alliance Pharma confirm a final dividend of 1.074pence per share
Alliance Pharma announce a proposed final dividend payment of 1.074p per share, giving a total dividend of 1.610p (2019: 0.536p)

Boot(Henry) announce a 3.3pence per share
The Boot Board regularly reviewed the Group's financial position and considered the impact of CV-19 on trading conditions when deciding whether to continue paying a dividend during the pandemic. Given the Group's confidence in our strong balance sheet and that we operate in markets that will continue to deliver returns over the longer term, the Board has proposed to continue to pay a dividend and concluded to pay a final dividend of 3.3p, which together with the 2.2p interim dividend, gives a total of 5.5p (2019: 5.0p) for the year. Payment of the final dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting and will be paid on 28 May 2021 to shareholders on the register as at 30 April 2021.

Mortgage Advice Bureau proposed final dividend of 19.2p
Mortgage Advice Bureau announce a proposed final dividend of 19.2p (payout ratio of 75% on adjusted profit after tax(2)), making proposed total dividends for the year of 25.6p (2019: 17.5p)

Judges Scientific announce a final dividend of 38.5p, totalling 55.0p for the year, an increase of 10%
The Judges Scientific Board is recommending a final dividend of 38.5p per share subject to approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 26 May 2021, which will make a total distribution of 55.0p per share in respect of 2020 (2019: 50.0p per share, excluding the special dividend). Despite the impact of the pandemic on financial performance in 2020, the total dividend per share is 3.2 times covered by adjusted earnings per share (2019: 4.5 times). Their policy of increasing the dividend by a minimum of 10% per year is only sustainable because there is ample cover.

Personal Group Holdings announce a dividend post-period end of 5.1p per share
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, in May 2020 the Personal Group Board took the decision to reduce the second quarter dividend as a measure of prudence amidst the uncertain trading environment resulting from the pandemic. In November 2020, the Company also announced that, in light of further national lockdown restrictions and ongoing uncertainty at that time, any payment of its fourth and final dividend in respect of its financial year ending 31 December 2020 would be made following publication of its audited full year results in March 2021.

Centamin PLC declares a final dividend of 3 US cents per share
The Centamin Board has proposed a final dividend of 3 US cents per share, equating to US$34.7 million to be distributed to shareholders, subject to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting on 11 May 2021

Kingfisher announce dividend payments resumed with a proposed total dividend per share of 8.25p for FY 20/21
The Kingfisher Board have confirm that they will be resuming dividend payments beginning with a proposed total dividend of 8.25 pence per share (approximately £175 million) in respect of the year ended 31 January 2021. The proposed dividend of 8.25 pence per share comprises an interim dividend of 2.75 pence per share in respect of the six months ended 31 July 2020 and a final dividend of 5.50 pence per share. The final dividend is subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 30 June 2021, and will be paid alongside the interim dividend on 5 July 2021 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 4 June 2021.

Cenkos Securities announce a final dividend of 2.5 pence per share
The Cenkos Securities Board is confident in the Group's strong capital position and encouraged by the strategic direction it is heading in and has announced a 2.5p final dividend which brings the full year dividend to 3.5p a share. Since being admitted to AIM they have returned £115.1m of cash to shareholders, equivalent to 178.3p per share, before the payment of the proposed 2020 final dividend of 2.5p per share.

Sanne Group announce a final dividend of 9.9 pence per share
Sanne Group PLC remains well placed to continue delivering a resilient financial performance and capture the growth potential in their markets. Reflecting confidence in this, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 9.9 pence per ordinary share (2019: 9.4 pence), taking the total dividend for the year, including the interim dividend of 4.8 pence per share, to 14.7 pence per share (2019: 14.1 pence in total).

Genel Energy PLC have announced a final dividend of 10cents per share
In 2019, the Genel Energy Boards confidence in their business plan to replace and grow producing asset cash generation at value accretive cost was demonstrated by the commencement of a material and sustainable dividend, and $41 million was distributed to shareholders in the year.

888 Holdings announce a final dividend of 12c per share bringing the total for the year to 18c
The 888 Holdings Board of Directors is recommending a final dividend of 10.4¢ per share in accordance with 888's dividend policy, plus an additional one-off 1.6¢ per share to acknowledge the record-breaking performance of the Group in 2020, bringing the total for the year to 18.0¢ per share (2019: 6.0¢ per share).

Fevertree Drinks PLC announce a proposed full year dividend of 15.68 pence per share, an increase of 4% year-on-year
The Fevertree Group remains committed to a progressive dividend policy and as such, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 10.27 pence per share in respect of 2020 (2019: 9.88 pence per share) bringing the total dividend for the year to 15.68 pence per share (2019: 15.08 pence per share). If approved by shareholders at the AGM on 20 May 2021 the final dividend will be paid on 28 May 2021 to shareholders on the register on 9 April 2021.

EMIS PLC announce a final dividend of 16.0pence per share
Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 6 May 2021, the EMIS Board proposes an increase in the final dividend to 16.0p (2019: 15.6p) per ordinary share, payable on 14 May 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 16 April 2021. This would make a total dividend of 32.0p (2019: 31.2p) per ordinary share for 2019. This is 3% higher than in the prior year, reflecting a balance of the challenging trading environment experienced in 2020 with the consistent underlying growth of the Group and its positive future prospects.

Ferrexpo PLC announce a final dividend 39.6 US Cents
In respect of the strong operational and financial performance in 2020, coupled with transition to net cash position and continued healthy iron ore prices, Ferrexpo have announced a further special interim dividend is being proposed of 39.6 US cents. Total dividends paid in respect of 2020 amount to 72.6 US cents (2019: 19.8 US cents).

Centaur Media are proposing a final dividend of 0.5p per share
Following the cancellation of the 2019 final and 2020 interim dividends, Centaur's resilience has given the Board confidence to propose a final dividend of 0.5p per share for the 2020 financial year. The Board is also recommending a resumption of their normal dividend policy which aims to distribute 40% of adjusted earnings after taxation, subject to a minimum of 1p per share, and will also consider resuming further returns of capital to shareholders once the longer-term impact of Covid on the Group's cash flows becomes clearer.

Antofagasta PLC announce final dividend of 48.5 cents per share declared
The Antofagasta Board has declared a final dividend for 2020 of 48.5 cents per share, which together with the interim dividend of 6.2 cents per share amounts to a total dividend of 54.7 cents per share. This is equal to a 100% pay-out ratio.

Ferguson PLC announce an interim dividend increased to 72.9c per share
The interim dividend and special dividend will be declared in US dollars. Following the additional US listing of Ferguson ordinary shares which was effective on March 8, 2021 the default payment currency for dividends is US dollars. Shareholders who were on the register as at close of business on March 5, 2021 with no alternative currency election in place will have been defaulted to receive dividends in pounds sterling. Shareholders who were not on the register before close of business on March 5, 2021 and who would like to elect to receive dividends in pounds sterling or any shareholders who would like to amend their currency election with respect to the 2021 interim dividend and special dividend, may do so online or by contacting Computershare. The last day for election for the proposed interim dividend and special dividend is April 13, 2021 and any requests should be made in good time ahead of that date.

Polypipe Group announce a proposed final 2020 dividend of 4.8p per share
Polypipe Group Directors intend that the Group would pay the total annual dividend in two tranches, an interim dividend and a final dividend, to be announced at the time of announcement of the interim and preliminary results respectively, with the interim dividend being approximately one half of the prior year's final dividend. During the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of cash preservation measures, the Directors cancelled the final 2019 dividend, and no interim 2020 dividend was paid.

Sabre Insurance announces a final dividend of 6.8pence per share combined with a special dividend of 4.9pence per share
The Sabre Insurance Directors have proposed a total final dividend of 11.7p per share in respect of 2020, consisting of an ordinary final dividend of 6.8p per share and a special dividend of 4.9p. The total amount proposed to be distributed to shareholders by way of dividends for 2020 is therefore 16.0p per share, including the ordinary interim dividend of 4.3p per share. This does not include the special dividend of 5.2p per share paid in August 2020, which represented a deferral of the 2019 special dividend. Including this, the total dividend paid and declared in respect of 2020 is 21.2p per share. Excluding the capital required to pay this dividend, the Group's SCR coverage ratio at 31 December 2020 would be 155%. This is consistent with the Group's policy to pay an ordinary dividend of 70% of profit after tax, and to consider passing excess capital to shareholders by way of a special dividend.

Unite Group PLC announce a full year dividend of 12.75p
Unite Group PLC are proposing a final dividend payment of 12.75p per share (2019: nil), making 12.75p for the full year (2019: 10.25p). The final dividend will be fully paid as a Property Income Distribution (PID) of 12.75p, which they expect to fully satisfy our PID requirement for the 2020 financial year.

Close Brothers PLC have declared an 18.0p interim dividend, reflecting the group's strong performance in the first half and continued confidence in their business model and financial position
The Close Brothers Group have annouced an interim dividend of 18.0p (H1 2020: £nil) reflecting the group's strong performance in the first half and continued confidence in our business model and financial position. The interim dividend is due to be paid on 28 April 2021 to shareholders on the register at 26 March 2021.

STV announce cash dividend reinstated at 6p (2020 full year of 9p)
The STV Board has recommended a return to cash dividend payments and a final dividend of 6.0p per share for 2020, giving a full year cash equivalent dividend of 9.0p, +43% on 2019

Ocean Wilson Holdings announces a proposed dividend unchanged at US 70 cents per share
Dividends are set in US Dollars and are normally paid annually. The Ocean Wilsons dividend policy is to pay a percentage of the average capital employed in the investment portfolio determined annually by the Board and the Company's full dividend received from Wilson Sons in the period after deducting funding for the parent company costs. The Board may review and amend the dividend policy from time to time in light of future plans and other factors.

Bodycote PLC announces a final dividend of 13.4pence per share
The Board is proposing a final dividend of 13.4p, which brings the total ordinary dividend for 2020 to 19.4p. This continues Bodycote's uninterrupted 30+ year track record of growing or maintaining the dividend and reflects the Board's confidence in the Group's future earnings and cash flow potential.

Morrison's PLC announce final ordinary dividend 5.11p, taking the full-year ordinary dividend up 5.6% to 7.15p
The Morrison's PLC announce a proposed final ordinary dividend is 5.11p per share, taking the full-year ordinary dividend up 5.6% to 7.15p (2019/20: 6.77p). This is both consistent with our announcement in December 2020 that the final 2020/21 dividend would be based on underlying profit before the impact of waiving £230m of business rates relief, and is in line with our policy to pay a sustainable ordinary dividend covered around two times by EPS before exceptionals. In addition, with the previously deferred H2 2019/20 special dividend of 4.00p declared in December 2020 and paid in January 2021, the full-year total dividend is up 27.1% to 11.15p (2019/20: 8.77p).

Savills PLC announce final ordinary dividend of 17.0p reflecting the resilience of the less transactional business performance
As a result of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the Savills PLC final dividend and supplemental interim dividend for 2019 were cancelled and no interim ordinary dividend was declared during 2020. A final ordinary dividend of 17.0p is recommended, reflecting the resilience of the less Transactional business performance in 2020, making the aggregate ordinary dividend 17.0p for the year (2019: 4.95p, interim ordinary dividend). Due to the impact of the pandemic on the Group's transactional profits during 2020 and the advisability of maintaining liquid resources through 2021, no supplemental interim dividend is declared. The final ordinary dividend of 17.0p per ordinary share will, subject to shareholders' approval at the AGM on 12 May 2021, be paid on 18 May 2021 to shareholders on the register at 9 April 2021.
1-50 of 5104