Recent articles for private investors with a focus on dividend announcements
Jupiter Fund Management announce total dividends per share of 17.1p
The Jupiter Fund Management Board has declared an unchanged full-year ordinary dividend for the year of 9.2p per share. This results in a total ordinary dividend for the year of 17.1p, the same as 2018, representing an ordinary dividend pay-out ratio of 59% of underlying earnings. Following the announcement of the proposed acquisition of Merian Global Investors, no special dividend has been declared for the year ended 2019 as Jupiter balances investment for long-term growth with distribution to Jupiter shareholders. The Jupiter Board's priority continues to be to maintain its capital strength, including a robust surplus over regulatory capital requirements and it remains committed to returning surplus regulatory capital in excess of needs to shareholders, aligned to the Group's capital allocation framework.
Senior plc announce a full year dividend per share proposed to increase by 1%
A final dividend of 5.23 pence per share is proposed for 2019 (2018 - 5.23 pence per share), payment of which, if approved, would total £21.7m (2018 final dividend - £21.7m) and would be paid on 29 May 2020 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 1 May 2020. This would deliver total dividends paid and proposed in respect of 2019 of 7.51 pence per share, an increase of 1.2% over 2018. At the level recommended, the full-year dividend would be covered 2.2 times (2018 - 2.2 times) by adjusted earnings per share. The cash outflow incurred during 2019 in respect of the final dividend for 2018 and the interim dividend for 2019 was £31.2m (2018 - £29.6m).
Hiscox announce a full year dividend up by 3.5% to 29.6 cents, in line with the Group's progressive dividend policy
The Hiscox Board has declared a final dividend of 29.6¢ per share to be paid on 10 June 2020 to shareholders registered on 15 May 2020 taking the total ordinary dividend per share for the year to 43.35¢ (2018: 41.85¢). The dividends will be paid in Sterling unless shareholders elect to be paid in US Dollars. The foreign exchange rate at which future dividends declared in US Dollars will be calculated is based on the average exchange rate in the five business days prior to the scrip dividend price being determined. On this occasion, the period will be between 26 May 2020 to 1 June 2020 inclusive.
IMI group plc announce a final dividend increased by 1%, making a 1% increase for the full year
Reflecting the continued confidence in the Group's prospects, as well as our ambition to build dividend cover, the Board is recommending that the final dividend is increased by 1% to 26.2p (2018: 26.0p) making a total dividend for the year of 41.1p, an increase of 1% over last year's 40.6p.
London Stock Exchange announces a proposed final dividend of 49.9 pence per share, resulting in a 16% increase in the full year dividend to 70.0 pence per share
The LSE Board is proposing a final dividend of 49.9 pence per share, which together with the interim dividend of 20.1 pence per share paid to shareholders in September 2019, results in a 16% increase in the total dividend to 70.0 pence per share. The final dividend will be paid on 27 May 2020 to shareholders on the register as at 1 May 2020.
CRH announce a full-year dividend per share up 15% to 83.0c
CRH's capital allocation policy reflects the Group's strategy of generating industry-leading returns through value-accretive allocation of capital, while delivering long-term dividend growth for shareholders.
Man Group plc have recommended final dividend of 5.1 cents per share bringing the total dividend for the year to 9.8 cents per share
The Man Group Board confirms that it will recommend a final dividend of 5.1 cents per share for the financial year to 31 December 2019, giving a total dividend of 9.8 cents per share for the year.
Vesuvius plc announce a full year dividend increased by 3.5% to 20.5 pence per share
The Vesuvius Board has recommended a final dividend of 14.3 pence per share (2018: 13.8 pence per share), a 3.6% increase on the final dividend paid in 2018, reflecting confidence in their trajectory. This will result in a total dividend for the year of 20.5 pence per share (2018: 19.8 pence per share) and represents a 3.5% increase to the full year dividend.
National Express announce a proposed final dividend increased by 10% to 11.19 pence, the fourth 10% increase in 5 years
If approved by shareholders at the AGM on 7 May 2020, the final dividend of 11.19p per ordinary share will be paid on 12 May 2020 to those shareholders registered on 24 April 2020.
Hunting plc announce final dividend of 6.0 cents per share
Huntings plc have announced a final dividend of 6.0 cents per share proposed (2018 - 5.0 cents) and payable on 15 May 2020 to shareholders on the register on 17 April 2020, subject to approval at the Company's AGM
Amino Technologies announce a full year dividend of 7.32 pence proposed
The Amino Technologies Board recommends a full year dividend of 7.32 GBP pence per share. The Board intends to maintain this for the coming financial year.
Persimmon announce interim and final dividends of £1.25 and £1.10 per share respectively declared for 2019 to be paid in 2020
The Persimmon Directors have proposed to return 125 pence of surplus capital to shareholders for each ordinary share held on 6 March 2020 with payment made on 2 April 2020 as an interim dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2019.
Hastings Group announce final dividend proposed for 2019 of 5.5p per share
Hastings Group plc have final proposed dividend for 2019 of 5.5p per share (2018: 9.0p per share) which, together with the interim dividend of 4.5p per share, equates to a total dividend payout ratio of 88.0% of adjusted profit after tax (2018: 58.9%).
Howden Joinery announce a final dividend of 9.1p recommended, giving a full year dividend of 13.0p per share
The Howden Joinery Group's dividend policy is to target a dividend cover of between 2.5x and 3.0x, with one third of the previous year's dividend being paid as an interim dividend each year.
Vistry plc announce a total ordinary dividend payable for 2019 increased to 61.5 pence per share
The Vistry Group's dividend policy has been to maintain a robust and efficient balance sheet and to deliver sustainable dividends to shareholders.
The Provident Financial Board proposes a final dividend of 16.0p per share, up 60.0% on 2018
The Provident Finalcials group's dividend policy is to maintain a dividend cover ratio of at least 1.4 times as the home credit business recovers and moves into profitability. This will reflect the group's current risk appetite of maintaining regulatory capital headroom in excess of £50m and progressively absorbing the remaining transitional impact of IFRS 9 on regulatory capital by 1 January 2023.
WPP maintain their final dividend of 37.3p per share
The WPP Board proposes to maintain the final dividend of 37.3p per share, which, together with the interim dividend of 22.7p per share, makes a total of 60.0p per share for 2019, the same as the prior year. The record date for the final dividend is 12 June 2020, payable on 6 July 2020.
Reckitt Benckiser Group announce full year dividend of 174.6p with a Board recommendation of a final dividend of 101.6p per share
Recognising the importance of a consistent dividend, they intend to sustain their dividend pay-out at the 2019 sterling level until they rebuild cover to around 2 times.
St. James's Place announce final dividend up 5% to 31.22 pence per share, full year dividend of 49.71 pence per share, growth of 3%
the St James's Place Board proposes to increase the final dividend by 5% to 31.22 pence per share (2018: 29.73 pence per share) making for a full year dividend of 49.71 pence per share (2018: 48.22 pence per share), growth of 3%.
Standard Chartered announce a proposed final ordinary dividend per share of 20c which will result in full-year dividend of 27c, up 29%
The Standard Chartered Board has declared a final ordinary dividend of 20 cents per share, which would result in a full-year dividend for 2019 of $863 million or 27 cents per share, a 29 per cent improvement on 2018.
Grafton Group plc announce a 6% increase in total dividend to 19.00p, consistent with a progressive dividend policy
Grafton Group plc have announced a second interim dividend of 12.5p (2018: 12.0p) which will be paid to give total dividends for the year of 19.0p representing an increase of 5.6 per cent on dividends of 18.0p paid for 2018. This increase is in line with the Board's progressive dividend policy and reflects both the Group's strong cashflow from operations for the year and its pre-IFRS 16 net cash position at the year end. Dividend cover was 3.5 times (2018: 3.5 times).
Mondi announce a recommended full year ordinary dividend of 83.0 euro cents per share, up 9%
The Mondi Board has recommended payment of a final ordinary dividend of 55.72 euro cents per share, bringing the total ordinary dividend for the year to 83.0 euro cents per share, an increase of 9% on 2018.
Hikma Pharmaceuticals announces a full year dividend of 44 cents per share, up from 38 cents per share
The Hikma Pharmaceuticals Board is recommending a final dividend of 30 cents per share (approximately 23 pence per share) (2018: 26 cents per share) bringing the total dividend for the full year to 44 cents per share (approximately 34 pence per share) (2018: 38 cents per share). The proposed dividend will be paid on 7 May 2020 to eligible shareholders on the register at the close of business on 20 March 2020, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting on 30 April 2020.
Genus plc announces an interim dividend up 6% with 2.9x adjusted earnings cover
As a result of Genus's strong earnings growth and cash flow generation, the Board has declared an interim dividend of 9.4 pence per share, up 6% on last year's interim dividend, which is payable on 2 April 2020 to shareholders on the register at 6 March 2020.
Macfarlane Group plc announce a final dividend of 1.76 pence per share, amounting to a full year dividend of 2.45 pence per share
The Macfarlane Board is proposing a final dividend of 1.76 pence per share, amounting to a full year dividend of 2.45 pence per share, a 7% increase on the prior year's dividend of 2.30 pence per share. Subject to the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 12 May 2020, this dividend will be paid on Thursday 4 June 2020 to those shareholders on the register at Friday 15 May 2020.
Bakkavoor announce a proposed final dividend of 4p per ordinary share, giving full year dividend of 6p per ordinary share
The Bakkavor Group paid an interim dividend of 2 pence per Ordinary share on 11 October 2019 and will propose a final dividend of 4 pence per Ordinary share at the Company's AGM on 21 May 2020, payable on 28 May 2020. This will result in a total dividend for financial year 2019 of 6 pence per Ordinary share, unchanged from the prior year. The Board expects to maintain a progressive dividend policy in the medium term.
RSA insurance announce dividends of 23.1p per share, up 10%
RSA insurance propose total dividends for 2019 of 23.1p/share, up 10%. This represents an 52% payout of underlying EPS (ex. exits), above the 40-50% policy range. A strong capital position and organic capital generation support this, despite the costs of 'below the line' items and bond 'pull to par'. Reflecting the improvements of recent years in RSA's performance and resilience, they are also increasing their target dividend payout range to 50-60% of underlying EPS.
Regional REIT declare an increased full year dividend of 2.5%
Regional REIT (LSE: RGL), the regional real estate investment specialist focused on building a diverse portfolio of income producing regional UK core and core plus office and industrial property assets, today announces its Q4 2019 dividend, making a 2.5% increase for the 2019 full year dividend distributions to shareholders.
Fisher (James) and Sons announce total dividend increase of 10%
Fisher (James) and Sons have announced, due to progress of the Group in 2019 and its track record of delivering strong operating cash flow have led the Board to propose a 10% increase in the final dividend to 23.4p per share (2018: 21.3p). Subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), this dividend will be paid on 8 May 2020 to shareholders on the register on 3 April 2020. If approved by shareholders, the total dividend for the year will be 34.7p per share (2018: 31.6p), a 10% increase on 2018.
Playtech plc announce a final dividend of 12 €c per share
In order to maximise the efficiency of shareholder returns the Playtech plc Board believes returns should be balanced between dividends and share buybacks. It is the Board's intention that the overall level of capital returned to shareholders will continue to be progressive, in line with medium term earnings and cash flows. The Board has approved a share repurchase programme of €40 million and a final dividend declared of 12.0 €c per share. For shareholders wishing to receive their dividends in Sterling, the last date for currency elections is 8 May 2020.
Flutter Entertainment have proposed a full year dividend maintained at 200p
The Flutter Entertainment Board has proposed a final divided of 133p per share, equating to a full year dividend for 2019 of 200p (2018: 200p). The ex-dividend date will be 9 April 2020, the record date will be 14 April 2020 and payment will be on 22 May 2020.
Rentokil initial announce a recommended final dividend of 3.64p, to bring total dividend for 2019 to 5.15p, an increase of 15.2%
Following an encouraging performance in 2019, the Rentokil Intial Board is recommending a final dividend in respect of 2019 of 3.64p per share, payable to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 14 April 2020, to be paid on 20 May 2020. This equates to a full year dividend of 5.15p per share, an increase of 15.2% compared to 2018. The last day for DRIP elections is 28 April 2020.
The Inchcape Board has recommended a final ordinary dividend of 17.9p per ordinary shar
The Inchcape Board recommends a final ordinary dividend of 17.9p per ordinary share which is subject to the approval of shareholders at the 2020 Annual General Meeting. This gives a total dividend for the year of 26.8p per ordinary share (2018: 26.8p). The dividend will be paid on 19 June 2020 to all shareholders on the register of members on 15 May 2020. A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) is available to Ordinary shareholders and the final date for receipt of elections to participate in the DRIP is 29 May 2020.
Rio Tinto announces full-year ordinary dividend of $6.2 billion
Rio Tinto announces full-year ordinary dividend of $6.2 billion (382 US cents per share), including record final ordinary dividend of $3.7 billion (231 US cents per share), resulting in total cash returns of $7.2 billion (443 US cents per share)
Taylor Wimpey announce they will pay an ordinary dividend of approximately 7.5% of Group net assets
Subject to shareholder approval each year, the Company will pay an ordinary dividend of approximately 7.5% of Group net assets, which will be at least £250 million per annum. This is intended to provide a reliable minimum annual return to shareholders throughout the cycle, including through a 'normal downturn', and will be paid equally as a final dividend (in May) and as an interim dividend (in November). This Ordinary Dividend Policy was subject to prudent and comprehensive stress testing against various downside scenarios, which also included a reduction of 20% in average selling prices and a 30% reduction in volumes.
Mccoll's Retail Group plc announce a dividend cut
In light of the Group's deleveraging priority, the Mccoll's Board has reached the decision to suspend the final dividend and keep the policy under review. The Board's priority is to reduce leverage with a target of 2.0x by the end of 2022.
Weir Group announce a 2% increase in their total dividend for the year
The Weir Group Board is recommending a final dividend of 30.45p, resulting in a total dividend of 46.95p for the year, up 2% from 2018 reflecting confidence in the long term prospects of the Group. Dividend cover (being the ratio of earnings per share from continuing operations, before exceptional items and intangibles amortisation, to dividend per share) is 1.9 times. If approved at the Annual General Meeting on 28 April 2020, the final dividend will be paid on 5 June 2020 to shareholders on the register on 24 April 2020.
Restaurant Group announce a dividend cut, with no full year dividend declared to facilitate new strategic priorities
Restaurant Group announce a temporary suspension of their dividend to facilitate strategic priorities
Unite Group announce full year dividend increase of 14% to 33.2p, driven by earnings growth
Unite Group are proposing a final dividend payment of 22.95 pence per share (2018: 19.5 pence), making 33.2 pence for the full year (2018: 29.0 pence). The final dividend will be fully paid as a Property Income Distribution (PID) of 22.95 pence.
William Hill announce a full year dividend of 8p
The proposed final dividend of 5.34p will, subject to shareholder approval, be paid on 4 June 2020 to all shareholders on the register on 24 April 2020.
Avast plc have proposed final dividend payable in June 2020 of 10.3 cents per share and a total dividend for the year of 14.7 cents per share, up 8.1%
The Directors propose to pay a final dividend of 10.3 cents per share in respect of the year ending 31 December 2019 (payment of $104.6m). Combined with the interim dividend of 4.4 cents per share paid in October 2019 (payment of $43.2m), gives a total dividend for the financial year of 14.7 cents (total payment of $147.8m), which represents 40% of the Group's levered free cash flow for the period in accordance with the Company's dividend policy.
Town Centre Securities announce an interim dividend unchanged at 3.25p
Town Centre Securities have announcedv their interim dividend of 3.25p per share (2018: 3.25p) will be paid as a property income distribution and will amount to £1.7m. It will be paid on 26 June 2020 to shareholders registered on 29 May 2020. The final dividend for 2019 of 8.50p per share was paid on 7 January 2020.
International Personal Finance announce a maintained full-year dividend of 12.4p per share
International Personal Finance announce, subject to shareholder approval, a final dividend of 7.8 pence per share will be payable, which will bring the full-year dividend to 12.4 pence per share (2018: 12.4 pence per share). The final dividend will be paid on 11 May 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 14 April 2020. The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 9 April 2020.
Capital & Counties announce a proposed final 2019 dividend of 1.0 pence per share resulting in a full-year dividend of 1.5 pence per share
The Capital & Counties Board has proposed a final dividend of 1.0 pence per share to be paid on 14 May 2020 to shareholders on the register at 17 April 2020. Subject to SARB approval, the Board intends to offer a scrip dividend alternative.
Hammerson announce final 2019 dividend of 14.8p and full year 2019 dividend of 25.9p, in line with 2018
The Hammerson plc Directors have proposed a final dividend of 14.8 pence per share. Together with the interim dividend of 11.1 pence, the total for 2019 is 25.9 pence, consistent with 2018.
Meggitt plc have recommended final dividend of 11.95p giving a full year dividend of 17.50p, an increase of 5%
The 5% increase in the recommended final dividend to 11.95p (2018: 11.35p) gives a full year dividend of 17.50p (2018: 16.65p), an overall increase of 5%. This reflects an ongoing confidence in the outlook for the Group and a commitment to a progressive dividend. The full year dividend will be paid on 1 May 2020 to shareholders on the register on the record date, 20 March 2020.
Derwent London have announced a proposed final dividend raised 10.1% to 51.45p per share from 46.75p in 2018
The Derwent London dividend cover remains strong and, with 80 Charlotte Street due to reach practical completion shortly, they have good visibility in relation to rental growth through 2020. They have also considered their capital expenditure commitments in the context of the increased level of available facilities as well as their obligations to other stakeholders; in particular, their pension fund liabilities are not material. Together with the earnings uplift seen in 2019, they have therefore been able to propose another increase of 10% in the final dividend per share, taking it to 51.45p. This will be paid in June 2020 with 34.45p to be paid as a PID and the balance of 17.00p as a conventional dividend. They will again be offering a scrip dividend alternative for those shareholders who wish to receive shares rather than cash.
Morgan Advanced Materials announce a maintained dividend of 11.0p per share
The Morgan Advanced Materials Board is recommending a final dividend, subject to shareholder approval, of 7.0 pence per share on the Ordinary share capital of the Group, payable on 22 May 2020 to Ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1 May 2020.
Synectics plc announce a recommended maintained final dividend 3.5p per share
The Synectics plc Board is recommending payment of a final dividend of 3.5p per share (2018: 3.5p), payable on 7 May 2020 to shareholders registered on 3 April 2020. If approved by shareholders, this will bring the total dividend payable for the year to 4.8p (2018: 4.7p).
Petrofac final dividend of 25.3 cents per share, maintaining total dividend at 38.0 cents per share
The Petrofac Group's dividend policy targets a dividend cover over the long term of between 2.0x and 3.0x business performance net profit. In line with this policy, the Board is proposing a final dividend of 25.3 cents per share (2018: 25.3 cents). The final dividend will be paid on 22 May 2020 to eligible shareholders on the register at 24 April 2020 (the 'record date'). Shareholders who have not elected to receive dividends in US dollars will receive a sterling equivalent. Shareholders can elect by close of business on the record date to change their dividend currency election. Together with the interim dividend of 12.7 cents per share (2018: 12.7 cents), this gives a total dividend for the year of 38.0 cents per share (2018: 38.0 cents).
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