Recent articles for private investors with a focus on dividend announcements
Tritax declare Q2 dividend of 1.5625p resulting in H1 2020 dividend of 3.125p per share
Tritax have declared a Q2 dividend of 1.5625p resulting in H1 2020 dividend of 3.125p per share (H1 2019: 3.425p) representing a pay-out ratio of 96%. The Board will continue to monitor the dividend position for FY2020 with the potential to progressively increase the dividend when it has better visibility.
Aggreko announces an interim dividend of 5p per share reflects the Board's confidence in the medium term, with the reduction on the prior year reflecting lower current year earnings
The Aggreko Board withdrew its recommendation to pay the 2019 final dividend at its AGM in April and will not be revisiting this decision. However, given its confidence that the actions that the Group has taken, together with the continued, disciplined execution of its strategy, will increase further the resilience of the business and position it well for the future, the Board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 5 pence per share for 2020. The reduction on the prior year does not represent a change in the Group's dividend policy, but rather reflects lower current year earnings and a continued level of market uncertainty.
ConvaTec interim dividend of 1.717 cents declared, in line with the prior year
THE ConvaTEC share, whislt being mindful, have maintained in line with the prior year.
Aviva announces a second interim dividend in respect of 2019 of 6 pence per share
The Aviva Board has declared a second interim dividend in respect of the 2019 financial year of 6 pence per share. While the Board continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and the economic outlook, they have decided to take the opportunity to review their longer term dividend policy, in light of our strategic priorities and the future shape of the group, with the objective of a sustainable pay-out and lower levels of debt. They will update shareholders on all dividend matters, including the 2019 final dividend in the fourth quarter.
Evraz have declared an interim dividend for 2020 of US$291.37 million, reflecting the Board's confidence in the Group's financial position and outlook
Given the performance throughout 2020, EVRAZ has announced an interim dividend.
Phoenix Group announce an interim dividend of 23.4p per share
The interim dividend of 23.4p per share is expected to be paid on 4 September 2020.
Spirent announce an interim dividend up 12 per cent to 2.17 cents
In the first half of 2020, the final dividend for Spirent in 2019 of $20.5 million was paid (first half 2019: $16.7 million) and 2.0 million shares were purchased and placed into the Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) at a cost of $4.7 million (first half 2019: 3.0 million shares at a cost of $6.1 million).
Hill & Smith announce resumption of dividend policy with FY20 interim dividend of 9.2p declared
The Hill & Smith Board has announced that they appreciate the importance of the dividend to shareholders and is announcing the resumption of dividend payments with the declaration of an interim dividend for FY 2020 of 9.2p per share (2019: 10.6p). The interim dividend will be paid on 8 January 2021 to shareholders on the register on 4 December 2020. In deciding the interim dividend, the Board has weighed the Group's trading and outlook against the need to maintain prudent ratios after considering all potential investment opportunities. As previously announced, the proposed 2019 final dividend was withdrawn and will now not be paid. The Board will continue to review the application of its dividend policy but is focused on maintaining dividends that are sustainable and progressive.
Hastings announce interim dividend proposed of 4.5p per share
The interim dividend proposed is £29.8m (30 June 2019: £29.8m), a payout of 4.5p per share (30 June 2019: 4.5p per share). Dividends continue to be satisfied by the Group's free cash, which comprises Retail free cash generated and dividends received from AICL.
Legal & General announce a maintained interim dividend of 4.93p per share
Legal & General businesses and balance sheet have shown resilience during the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a long term company, they take into consideration stakeholders. The Board has declared an interim dividend of 4.93p per share, in line with prior year, in order to maintain flexibility as the economic effect of COVID-19 becomes clearer. The Board will set a final dividend that is prudent, consistent with a risk appetite and in line with their dividend policy.
Segro announces an interim dividend increased by 9.5 per cent to 6.9 pence
The Segro Board has previously guided that the interim dividend will be set at one-third of the previous year's total dividend. As a result, and consistent with this guidance, the Board has declared an increase in the interim dividend of 0.6 pence per share to 6.9 pence (H1 2019: 6.3 pence), a rise of 9.5 per cent. The Board currently expects to follow its existing policy of targeting a pay-out ratio of 85 to 95 per cent of Adjusted profit after tax when considering the full year 2020 dividend.
Ferrexpo Interim dividend declared of 6.6 US cents, in addition to an interim dividend of 6.6 US cents per share declared in June 2020
Ferrexpo has reduced gross debt to US$343 million and increased cash to US$169 million. As a result of the strong cash flow and resulting liquidity position, the Group has announced a further interim dividend of 6.6 US cents per Ordinary Share payable on 26 August 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 14 August 2020. The ex-dividend date will be 13 August 2020. All dividends are paid in UK Pounds Sterling, with an election to receive in US Dollars.
NWF group have proposed 4.5% increase to the total dividend to 6.9p per share, reflecting the Board's confidence in the resilience and prospects of the business
As a consequence of the good progress achieved, the NWF Group's cash generation, and confidence in the Group's resilience and future prospects, the Board is recommending a final dividend of 5.9p per share, to be paid to shareholders on 8 December 2020 (2019: 5.6p) giving a total dividend of 6.9p per share (2019: 6.6p), a 4.5% increase on the prior year.
Direct Line announce a dividend reinstated: additional interim dividend of 43.2 pence per share to be paid in October in lieu of 2019 final dividend; interim dividend of 21.9 pence per share declared for payment in November
The Direct Line Board has reflected on the decision regarding the 2019 final dividend of 43.2 pence per share which was postponed in April. An additional interim dividend of 43.2 pence per share will now be paid on 2 October to shareholders on the register at 11 September. In regard to the first half of 2020, an interim dividend of 21.9 pence has been declared, to be paid on 6 November. There is no change to a progressive dividend policy, which is based on affordability and sustainability.
Diageo announces a final recommended dividend of 42.47 pence per share, the same as the final dividend for fiscal 19. This brings the full year dividend for fiscal 20 to 69.88 pence per share, an increase of 2%.
The group aims to increase the dividend each year and the decision in respect of the dividend is made with reference to dividend cover as well as current performance trends including sales and profit after tax together with cash generation. Diageo targets dividend cover (the ratio of basic earnings per share before exceptional items to dividend per share) within the range of 1.8-2.2 times. For the year ended 30 June 2020 dividend cover was 1.6 times. The recommended final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2020, to be put to the shareholders for approval at the Annual General Meeting is 42.47 pence, the same as the final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2019. This brings the full year dividend to 69.88 pence per share, an increase of 2% on the prior year. They will keep future returns of capital, including dividends, under review through year ending 30 June 2021 to ensure we allocate Diageo's capital in the best way to maximize value for the business and our stakeholders.
Rotork plc reinstate interim dividend
Citing the unprecedented level of uncertainty surrounding COVID19, on 31 March Rotork withdrew their forward guidance for the current year. They retain this position as considerable uncertainty remains, and therefore they are not announcing a dividend in respect of this period today. They are however announcing that they will be paying the previously deferred 2019 final dividend of 3.9p per share. They will consider the dividend payable in respect of the whole of 2020 at the end of the year, and pay this in May 2021.
Centamin plc has declared a second interim dividend of 6 US cents per share
During the six months ended 30 June 2020, US$101 million was paid (H1 2019: US$39 million) as dividends to the non-controlling interest ("NCI") in Sukari Gold Mine ("SGM"), being the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority ("EMRA").
Spectris announces a dividend reinstated: additional interim dividend of 43.2 pence per share to be paid in October in lieu of 2019 final dividend; interim dividend of 21.9 pence per share declared for payment in November
The Spectris Board has reflected on the decision regarding the 2019 final dividend of 43.2 pence per share which was postponed in April. An additional interim dividend of 43.2 pence per share will now be paid on 2 October to shareholders on the register at 11 September. In regard to the first half of 2020, an interim dividend of 21.9 pence has been declared, to be paid on 6 November. There is no change to their progressive dividend policy, which is based on affordability and sustainability.
BP announce a dividend of 5.25 cents per share was announced for the quarter, compared to 10.5 cents per share for the previous quarter.
BP today announced a quarterly dividend of 5.25 cents per ordinary share ($0.315 per ADS), which is expected to be paid on 25 September 2020. The corresponding amount in sterling will be announced on 14 September 2020.
XP Power announces a dividend reinstated from the second quarter of 2020 at 18.0 pence per share
XP Power announces a diividend reinstated from the second quarter of 2020 at 18.0 pence per share (aggregated Q1 and Q2 2019: 35.0 pence per share), reflecting the confidence the Board has in the Group’s longer-term prospects.
Other financial highlights include:
Schroders Group announces a maintained dividend
The Schroders group continues to maintain a strong capital position. Accordingly, and reflecting resilient performance, the Board has declared an unchanged interim dividend of 35.0 pence per share (H1 2019: 35.0 pence per share). The dividend will be paid on 24 September 2020 to shareholders on the register at 21 August 2020.
AstraZeneca announce a maintained dividend
The AstraZeneca Board has recommended an unchanged first interim dividend of $0.90 (69.6 pence, 7.87 SEK) per Ordinary Share.
Man Group announce a proposed interim dividend of 4.9 cents per share
Funds under management (FUM) down 8% to $108.3 billion (31 December 2019: $117.7 billion)
BAE declare an interim dividend of 13.8p per share and reinstates the 2019 Final dividend
The BAE directors have declared an interim dividend of 13.8p per share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019, payable in September, being the value of the dividend proposed but subsequently deferred earlier in the year.
Ultra Electronics reinstates dividend
As announced on 14 April 2020, as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board decided to postpone payment of its 2019 final dividend of 39.2 pence per share. Based on the Board's current knowledge, the robust liquidity position, the strong H1 performance and expected full year performance relative to the COVID-19 scenario modelling undertaken, an additional interim dividend equivalent to the postponed full year 2019 dividend of 39.2 pence per share will now be paid on 18 September 2020 to shareholders on the register at 28 August 2020.
Rio Tinto announces full-year ordinary dividend of $6.2 billion
The Board is committed to maintaining an appropriate balance between cash returns to shareholders and investment in the business, with the intention of maximising shareholder value.
Lancashire Holdings announces interim dividend of $0.05 per common share
Lancashire announces that on 28 July 2020 its Board of Directors declared an interim dividend for 2020 of $0.05 (approximately £0.04) per common share, which will result in an aggregate payment of approximately $12.1 million. The dividend will be paid in Pound Sterling on 11 September 2020 (the “Dividend Payment Date”) to shareholders of record on 14 August 2020 (the “Record Date”) using the £ / $ spot market exchange rate at 12 noon London time on the Record Date.
Devro plc has resolved to declare the postponed 2019 final dividend of 6.3p, in the form of an interim dividend paid in October 2020, in addition to the 2020 interim dividend of 2.7p, flat on the prior year.
Further to the announcement on 23 April 2020, and given the Group's financial position and robust trading performance, the Devro Board has resolved to declare the postponed 2019 final dividend of 6.3p per share which will be paid by way of an interim dividend on 2 October 2020 to shareholders on the register as at 21 August 2020. Taken together with the 2019 interim dividend, this results in a total dividend payment for FY 2019 of 9.0p per share (as compared to 9.0p per share for the previous year). In addition, the Board has resolved to declare a 2020 interim dividend of 2.7p, flat on the prior year. This further interim dividend will be paid on 15 January to shareholders on the register at 4 December 2020.
Brunner plc announces dividends for the half year of 9.34p, up 0.2%
In June the Brunner board declared a first quarterly dividend of 4.67p per ordinary share which was paid on 23 July 2020, a marginal increase on the payment made in the first quarter in the previous year. The board has now declared a second quarterly dividend of 4.67p per ordinary share payable on 16 September 2020 to holders on the register of members at the close of business on 7 August 2020. A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) is available for this dividend and the relevant election date is 21 August 2020.
Rathbone Brothers announce a maintained interim dividend of 25p
The Rathbone Brothers Board are maintaining their interim dividend at 25p (30 June 2020: 25p). This reflects confidence in their medium-term prospects and the strength of their balance sheet. The record date will be 4 September 2020 and the dividend will be paid on 6 October 2020.
Jupiter announce an interim dividend per share unchanged at 7.9p
Jupiter has a progressive ordinary dividend policy, with the intention for the ordinary dividend pay-out ratio to be 50% of underlying EPS across the cycle. In the event that the current year profits are lower than in previous years, the Group has maintained the ordinary dividend at the previous high water mark pence per share level, subject to the Group's financial strength and future outlook. The Board normally makes additional returns of capital to shareholders after retaining sufficient earnings for capital and growth and investments. These additional returns have previously been made through a special dividend.
Smurfit Kappa announces a dividend payment of 80.9 cent per share
The Smurfit Kappa Board has decided to pay an interim dividend of 80.9 cent per share (approximately €193 million). It is proposed to pay this dividend on 11 September 2020 to all ordinary shareholders on the share register at the close of business on 14 August 2020.
FDM have declared an interim dividend of 18.5 pence per ordinary share
A key tenet of FDM's relationship with shareholders is the payment of sustainable dividends at an attractive level. After careful thought, the Board decided against proposing a 2019 final dividend to the Annual General Meeting (originally intended to be set at 18.5 pence per share). At the time, the COVID-19 situation was new, uncertain and difficult to assess. Since then the business has performed at an encouraging level, cash collection has been consistent and cash conversion robust.
Drax announce an interim dividend of 6.8 pence per share
On 28 July 2020, the Drax Board resolved to pay an interim dividend of 6.8 pence per share (£27.1 million), representing 40% of the expected full year dividend in line with our dividend policy. The interim dividend will be paid on 2 October 2020 and the record date for entitlement to the dividend will be on 21 August 2020.
Smith & Nephew announce an interim dividend of 14.4¢ in line with prior year
Smith & Nephew announce an interim dividend is 14.4¢ per share (28.8¢ per ADS), in line with 2019. This equates to 11.2p per share at prevailing exchange rates as of 27 July 2020. The interim dividend will be paid on 28 October 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 2 October 2020.
IG announce a full year dividend of 43.2 pence per share maintained for FY20 consistent with previous guidance
The IG Board recommends a final dividend of 30.24 pence per share, taking the full year dividend for FY20 to 43.2 pence per share (FY19: 43.2 pence), in line with previous guidance. The final dividend, if approved by shareholders, will be paid on 22 October 2020 to those members on the register at the close of business on 25 September 2020.
Bodycote announces 2019 deferred dividend of 13.3p to be paid in September, decision on 2020 interim dividend to be made in due course
In April, amidst the uncertainty of the depth and duration of the impact of COVID-19 and the associated restrictions, the Bodycote Board announced that it would be keeping the 2019 final dividend payment under review. In light of management's strong reaction to the downturn, which has allowed the business to remain profitable and cash generative throughout this period, the Board has decided that a deferred dividend for 2019 of 13.3p will now be paid on 25 September 2020 to all shareholders on the register at close of business on 28 August 2020.
Unilever announce quarterly shareholder dividend maintained at €0.4104 per share
The Unilever Boards have determined to pay a quarterly interim dividend for Q2 2020 at the following rates which are equivalent in value between the two companies at the rate of exchange applied under the terms of the Equalisation Agreement:
Croda announce a 2019 final dividend paid in full and 2020 interim dividend maintained at 39.5 pence
Croda has operated for many years with a prudent leverage and dividend distribution policy. This enabled the Board, after careful consideration of all stakeholders and treating all groups consistently and fairly, to pay the final 2019 ordinary dividend of 50.5 pence per share (£65.0m). In addition, given the resilience of the business model during the COVID-19 pandemic to date, Croda will pay an unchanged interimdividend of 39.5p (2019: 39.5p) in October 2020.
Relx announces a maintained interim dividend of 13.6p
Relx have announced an interim dividend of 13.6p (13.6p), unchanged from the prior year.
Halma announces total dividend for the year up 5%, the 41st consecutive year of dividend per share increases of 5% or more.
The Halma Board is recommending a 3.8% increase in the final dividend to 9.96p per share (2019: 9.60p per share). Together with the 6.54p per share interim dividend, this would result in a total dividend for the year of 16.50p (2019: 15.71p), up 5%, making this the 41st consecutive year of dividend per share growth of 5% or more.
Hipgnosis Songs Fund announces dividend of 1.25 pence per share
Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited is to announce the Company's interim dividend (the 'Dividend') for the period from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 in respect of the Ordinary Shares.
European Assets Trust announce a dividend of 1.755 pence per share
European Assets Trust PLC ("the Company") announces that a dividend of 1.755 pence per share will be paid on 31 July 2020 to shareholders on the register on 10 July 2020, having an ex-dividend date of 9 July 2020.
Porvair announce an interim dividend maintained at 1.7 pence per share
The final dividend approved for the year ended 30 November 2019 was paid to shareholders on 5 June 2020.
XPS Pensions Board proposes a final dividend of 4.3p bringing the total dividend for the year to 6.6p
A final dividend of 4.3p is being proposed by the XPS Pensions Board (FY 2019: 4.3p). The final dividend, if approved, which amounts to £8.8m (FY 2019: £8.8m), will be paid on 24 September 2020 to those shareholders on the register on 28 August 2020.
Primary Health Properties announces a third quarterly dividend of 1.475p per share
Primary Health Properties announces that the third quarterly interim dividend in 2020 of 1.475 pence per ordinary share of 12.5 pence each will be paid on 21 August 2020 to shareholders on the register on 3 July 2020. The dividend will comprise a Property Income Distribution (PID) of 1.275 pence per share and an ordinary dividend of 0.2 pence per share. The Company will be offering a scrip alternative with this dividend.
Imomart Group have proposed a final dividend payment of 3.93p per share
The Imomart dividend policy, which has been in place for several years now, is based on the profitability of the business in the period. They have committed to a pay-out policy of up to 40% of the adjusted diluted earnings per share delivered in a financial year.
Cranswick announces a full year dividend increased by 8.1% to 60.4p, reflecting 30 years of unbroken dividend growth
The Board is proposing a final dividend of 43.7 pence per share, an increase of 9.3 per cent on the 40.0 pence paid previously. Together with the interim dividend of 16.7 pence per share this is a total dividend for the year of 60.4 pence per share and compares to 55.9 pence per share previously. This is the 30th consecutive year of dividend growth.
Polar Capital announces a total dividend for the year maintained at 33.0p per share
The Polar Capital previously stated dividend policy remains that, under normal circumstances, they would expect to pay an annual dividend within a range of 55% to 85% of adjusted total earnings dependent on the quantum of performance fees earned in that year.
National Grid have recommended a final dividend to bring full year dividend to 48.57p, up 2.6%, in line with policy
The National Grid Board has recommended an increase in the final dividend to 32.0 pence per ordinary share ($2.0126 per American Depositary Share) which will be paid to shareholders on the register as at 3 July 2020. If approved, this will bring the full year dividend to 48.57 pence per ordinary share, an increase of 2.6% over the 47.34 pence per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ending 31 March 2019. This rise is in line with the increase in UK RPI for the twelve months to 31 March 2020 as set out in the policy announcement of 28 March 2013.
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