Sector: General Financial

Begbies Traynor declare an increased interim dividend of 0.9p (2018: 0.8p), an increase of 13%, which builds on the increases over the two previous years and reflects their confidence in sustaining their financial track record of earnings growth. They remain committed to a long-term progressive dividend policy which takes account of the market outlook, earnings growth and investment plans.

The Photo-Me Board is declaring a maintained interim dividend of 3.71 pence per Ordinary Share (H1 2019: 3.71 pence per share). This is line with the Board's intention to maintain a total dividend of 8.44 pence per ordinary share for the current financial year ending 30 April 2020. 

Since flotation in November 2003, RWS has pursued a progressive dividend policy. The highly cash generative business model and modest capex requirements have allowed for rapid debt repayment, acquisitions, continued organic investment in the business and an increasing dividend.

Diversified Gas & Oil PLC (AIM: DGOC), the U.S. based owner and operator of natural gas, natural gas liquids, oil wells and midstream assets, is pleased to announce that the Board has declared an interim dividend of 3.50 cents per share in respect of the third quarter to the period ended 30 September 2019 (Q3 2018: 3.30 cents).

In line with its policy of providing a progressive dividend, having regard to both underlying profit and cash generation and to sustainability through the economic cycle, the Ashtead Group Plc Board has increased their interim dividend to 7.15p per share (2018: 6.5p per share). This will be paid on 5 February 2020 to shareholders on the register on 17 January 2020.

The Board continues to adopt a progressive dividend policy which is balanced with holding sufficient funds for future investment and their regulatory capital requirements. The Board has proposed a final ordinary dividend of 3.33p per share which takes the total ordinary dividend for the year to 4.83p per share, representing an increase (excluding the special dividend in the previous year) of 31% on the previous year. The final ordinary dividend will be paid, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 22 January 2020, to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 10 January 2020.

With the Group delivering a weaker performance in FY 2019 and some key industrial markets remaining weak, the final dividend will be held flat at 46.14p/share (FY 2018: 46.14p/share), with dividend cover at 1.8x (FY 2018: 2.2x). With year end net cash not exceeding the £85m threshold, no special dividend is proposed.

In line with Clipper's dividend policy and reflecting the Group's earnings growth, the Board is pleased to announce an interim dividend of 3.5 pence per share, which will be paid on 6 January 2020 to shareholders on the register at 13 December 2019. This represents an increase of 9.4% (0.3 pence per share) compared to the interim dividend of 3.2 pence paid in January 2019.

Smith (DS) declares an interim dividend for this half year of 5.4 pence per share (H1 2018/19: 5.2 pence per share). This represents an increase of 4%, demonstrating the confidence of the Board in the outlook for the Group. The dividend will be paid on 1 May 2020 to ordinary shareholders on the register at the close of business on 14 April 2020.

In line with Stock Spirits Group plc progressive dividend policy, their proposed final dividend results in a total dividend for the year up +5.1% on the prior period 'enhanced' dividend, which was paid for the 9 month prior period. The final proposed dividend is 6.31 €cents per share (final dividend for the 9 month to Sept 2018: 6.01 €cents). In total for the year, this results in dividends of 8.94 €cents per share (9 month to Sept 2018: 8.51 €cents per share).