Recent articles for private investors with a focus on dividend announcements

Dechra announces a full year dividend increased by 8.5% to 34.29 pence
The Dechra Board is proposing a final dividend of 24.00 pence per share (2019: 22.10 pence per share). Added to the interim dividend of 10.29 pence per share (2019: 9.50 pence per share), this brings the total dividend for the financial year ended 30 June 2020 to 34.29 pence per share (2019: 31.60 pence per share), representing 8.5% growth over the previous year.

Belvoir announces a reinstatement of dividend
The Belvoir Board has reinstated its progressive dividend policy with the payment of an interim dividend of 3.4p per share (H1 2019: 3.4p) with interim dividend cover at 2.1x (H1 2019: 2.0x)

NCC announce an unchanged final dividend of 3.15p per ordinary share
Dividends of £12.9m paid in the year (2019: £12.9m) comprised the final dividend for 2019 of 3.15p and the interim dividend for 2020 of 1.50p.

Foresight Solar Fund announnce total dividend of 3.45p per share declared during the period. On track to deliver 2020 target dividend of 6.91p per share
Foresight Solar Fund announces a second interim dividend, in respect of the period 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020, of 1.73 pence per ordinary share (the "Dividend"). The shares will go ex-dividend on 29 October 2020 and the Dividend will be paid on 27 November 2020 to shareholders on the register as at the close of business on 30 October 2020.

Temple Bar declares an interim dividend of 11.0p per ordinary share
The Board of Temple Bar has today declared a second interim dividend for the year ending 31 December 2020 of 11.0p per ordinary share, to be paid on 30 September 2020 to those Shareholders on the register at the close of business on 11 September 2020.

Macfarlane Group Board is recommending an interim dividend of 0.70p per share
As a key measure to conserve cash, the Macfarlane Board took the decision not to propose the 2019 final dividend of 1.76p per share, detailed in the preliminary announcement. The Board recognises the importance of recommencing the payment of dividends to our shareholders as soon as possible. Given the stronger than anticipated profit performance and cash position, the Board is recommending an interim dividend of 0.70p per share to be paid on 8 October 2020 to shareholders on the register as at 11 September 2020 (2019: 0.69p per share)

WPP 10p 2020 interim dividend declared
In March 2020, WPP announced the Board's decision to suspend the 2019 final dividend of 37.3p per share to protect liquidity in light of the threat to liquidity and cash flow from the COVID-19 impact. The Board has now decided to cancel this dividend to contribute towards lower leverage.

Hunting plc announce second interim dividend declared for H1 2020 of 2.0 cents
Hunting PLC's second interim dividend of 2.0 cents declared in respect of H1 2020 (H1 2019 - 5.0 cents), absorbing cash of approximately $3.3m (H1 2019 - $8.3m), payable to shareholders on 23 October 2020, with a record date of 2 October 2020. The Board is declaring this interim dividend given the Group's strong balance sheet and healthy cash position. An interim dividend of 3.0 cents per share was paid on 15 May 2020, which replaced the 2019 Final Dividend.

Anglo Pacfic Group announces no change to quarterly dividend level of 1.75p per share
At this stage Anglo Pacific are not altering their dividend policy and will continue to pay an interim dividend of 1.75p per share on a quarterly basis, which sets a base level of 7p on an annualised basis. They will wait until Q1 2021 to determine the level of the final dividend taking into account market conditions at that time and the full year outturn for 2020.

Fisher (James) & Sons announces an interim dividend of 8.0p per share
The Fisher (James) & Sons board believe the Group has weathered the initial storm of Covid-19 and have seen a significant improvement in the financial headroom on their committed banking facilities. Global economies are slowly recovering, and the price of oil has partially recovered from the low point in April. They operate in diverse markets and have a wide geographic spread so whilst certain parts of business have been seriously impacted by Covid-19, other parts of business have been resilient.

Apax announces an interim dividend of 4.87 pence per share declared, equivalent to 2.5% of the euro NAV as at 30 June 2020
AGA's objective is to provide shareholders with capital appreciation from its investment portfolio and regular dividends. The Company is targeting an annualised Total Return, across economic cycles, of 12-15% (net of fees and expenses) including a dividend yield of 5% of Net Asset Value.

Clipper Logistics recommend a final dividend of 6.2p per share, making a total dividend per share of 9.7p for the full year
The Clipper Logistics Board is recommending a final dividend of 6.2 pence per share, making a total dividend in respect of the year ended 30 April 2020 of 9.7 pence (2019: 9.7 pence).

Bunzl group announce the reinstatement of the 2019 final dividend of 35.8p per share
As highlighted in the Company's first quarter trading statement issued at the beginning of April, due to the heightened uncertainty at that time relating to the macroeconomic environment in which the Company was trading, the Bunzl Board decided it would no longer propose a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2019 at the Annual General Meeting held on 15 April 2020. However, we stated at the time that the Board recognised the importance of dividends to shareholders and, as such, intended to consider the appropriateness, quantum and timing of an additional interim dividend payment relating to the year ended 31 December 2019 when the Board had a clearer view of the effects of Covid-19 on the Company's business.

KAZ Minerals announces an interim dividend of 4.0 US cents per share declared
The KAZ Minerals Group's dividend policy, established at the time of Listing, is for the Board to consider the cash generation and financing requirements of the business before recommending a suitable dividend. This maintains flexibility, which is appropriate given the underlying cyclicality of a commodity business and the Group's growth ambitions.

The BHP Board has announced to pay a final dividend of 55 US cents per share
The BHP dividend policy provides for a minimum 50 per cent payout of underlying attributable profit at every reporting period. The minimum dividend payment for the June 2020 half year period is 38 US cents per share, or US$1.9 billion.

Perisimmon announces dividend of 40p per share
With the major social and economic disruption resulting from the action taken to mitigate the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, after careful assessment of the capital needs of the business, the Perisimmon Board concluded that the return of surplus capital by way of a 125p per share interim dividend previously scheduled to be paid to shareholders on 2 April 2020 would be cancelled. In addition, the Board postponed the payment of the final dividend for the 2019 financial year of 110p per share that was previously scheduled to be paid on 6 July 2020. This preserved the Company's ability to re-invest this capital in the business should appropriate opportunities arise, generating enhanced value over the longer term in the best long-term interests of all stakeholders. The Board has now announced a dividend of 40p per share.

Berkeley holdings announces an interim dividend of 107.0 pence per share
The Directors of Berkeley Group Holdings have today announced that an interim dividend of 107.0 pence per share will be paid on 11 September 2020 to shareholders on the Company's register of members at close of business on 21 August 2020. The ex-dividend date is 20 August 2020.

CLS Holdings announces an interim dividend maintained at 2.35 pence per
In April, the CLS Board made the decision to proceed with the recommended final dividend for 2019 of 5.05 pence per share, given the Group's strong cash position and resilient tenant base. In September, the Group will pay an interim dividend for 2020 of 2.35 pence per share, which is at the same level as the 2019 interim dividend. Any full year dividend increase will be assessed with the final dividend.

M&G announce an interim dividend of £155 million equal to 6.00p per share
Subsequent to 30 June 2020, the M&G Board has declared an interim dividend for 2020 of 6.00 pence per ordinary share, an estimated £155m in total. The dividend is expected to be paid on 30 September 2020 and will be recorded as an appropriation of retained earnings in the financial statements at the time that it is paid.

Spirax-Sarco announce interim dividend increased by 5% to 33.5p
The Sprirax-Sarco Board has declared an interim dividend of 33.5 pence (2019: 32.0 pence) per ordinary share, an increase of 5%. The dividend will be paid on 6th November 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 9th October 2020. The final dividend of 78.0 pence per share in respect of 2019 was paid on 22nd May 2020 at a cash cost of £57.5 million.

Admiral Group announces an interim dividend of 70.5 pence
The Admiral Board has declared an interim dividend of 70.5 pence, made up of a normal dividend of 55.0 pence per share and a special dividend of 15.5 pence per share, 12% higher than the 2019 interim dividend of 63.0 pence per share. The payment represents 85% of first half earnings.

Plus500 announces an interim dividend of $101.0 million declared today, representing $0.9531 per share, up 249% on interim dividend in prior year
The Plus500 Company's shareholder return policy has been to return at least 60% of net profits to shareholders as a normal return on a half yearly basis, with at least 50% of this distribution being made by way of dividends. In addition, the Board will also consider paying of special dividends at each year end.

Derwent London announces an interim dividend raised 4.8% to 22.0p per share from 21.0p in 2019
Derwent London’s dividend has remained well covered by EPRA earnings in recent years and they assume the value to their shareholders of a consistent and sustainable dividend policy. They are also aware of the risks facing their tenant base, the potential impact upon their earnings and the importance of maintaining demonstrable liquidity and a strong financial position. Their rental income will be helped in H2 2020 by 80 Charlotte Street and they have further trading property sales of apartments either exchanged or under offer at Asta House. Taking all these things into account,they have raised the 2020 interim dividend by 4.8% to 22.0p per share, all to be paid as a PID on 16 October 2020 to shareholders on the register as at 11 September 2020.

Witan Investment Trust announces a second interim quarterly dividend of 1.34p per ordinary share will be paid in September
The Witan Investment Trust's revenue earnings per share for 2020 are likely to be around half of the level earned in 2019, owing to the unprecedented cuts in market dividends by companies seeking to conserve cash during the Covid-19 lockdown, particularly in the UK. The Company began 2020 with revenue reserves amounting to over 1.5 times the annual dividend, having added to these reserves in each of the past nine years. Consequently, it is able to take advantage of investment trusts' ability to smooth dividend pay-outs using revenue reserves and has stated its willingness to do so. Investment Companies also have the ability, where warranted, to use capital reserves to support distributions and a number of leading investment trusts already partly fund their dividends in this way. Although permitted by its Articles of Association, the Company would only propose such a step if this were judged to be sustainable, based upon the total returns earned by the portfolio over time.

Gamesys Group declare an inaugural interim dividend of 12p per share to be paid in October, as well as the implementation of a broader dividend and capital allocation policy
The Gamesys Group Board is to declare an inaugural interim dividend of 12p per share to be paid in October, as well as the implementation of a broader dividend and capital allocation policy.

Domino's deferred announce dividend of 5.56p per share, amounting to £26m in total, will now be paid on 18 September 2020 to all shareholders on the register as at 21 August 2020
Domino's Pizza took the decision to suspend the proposed FY19 final dividend, given the significant uncertainty around the Covid-19 situation and its impact on their performance at that time. They have ensured to have remained open throughout this period, and the Board believes it is appropriate at this time to reinstate our planned payment. They will therefore pay the deferred FY19 final dividend, of 5.56p, equating to a total cost of £26m, on 18th September 2020 to all shareholders on the register as at 21st August 2020.

The Clarkson plc Board has decided to pay the equivalent of the deferred 2019 final dividend of 53p per share as an interim dividend and declared a further interim dividend for 2020 of 25p per share
As announced on 27 March 2020, the Board deferred the decision on the amount and timing of the 2019 final dividend to protect the Company until the impact of COVID-19 on the business became clearer. The robust performance and cash position of the Company means that the Board has now decided to pay the equivalent of the 2019 final dividend of 53p per share as an interim dividend on 21 September 2020 to shareholders on the register on 7 September 2020.

ContourGlobal announceecond quarter dividend of 4.0591 cents per share
● Today the Company declares a second quarterly dividend for 2020 of 4.0591 USD cents per share or $27m, or 3.1077 pence per share, which will be paid on 25 September 2020 to shareholders on the register at 4 September 2020

Diversified have declared 2Q20 interim dividend of $0.0375 per share an increase of 7%
The Diversified Group announced a dividend of $0.0350 per ordinary share. The dividend will be paid on 25 September 2020 to shareholders on the register on 4 September 2020. This dividend was not approved by shareholders, thereby qualifying it as an "interim" dividend. No liability was recorded in the Group Interim Financial Information in respect of this interim dividend as at 30 June 2020.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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").

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:

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.
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