Sector: Hedge Funds

Pearson plc are proposing a final dividend for 2019 of 13.5p bringing the total paid and payable in respect of 2019 to 19.5p. This final 2019 dividend which was approved by the Board in February 2020, is subject to approval at the forthcoming AGM and will be charged against 2020 profits. For 2019, the dividend is covered 3.0 times by adjusted earnings.

Morgan Sindall announces their total dividend for the year has been increased by 11% to 59.0p per share (FY 2018: 53.0p), which includes a proposed increase in the final dividend of 12% to 38.0p per share (FY 2018: 34.0p), reflecting the improved result in the year, the strong balance sheet and the Board's confidence in the future prospects of the Group. The total dividend per share is 2.7 times covered by adjusted earnings per share. 

The MoneySupermarket Board has recommended a final dividend of 8.61 pence per share (2018: 8.10p), making the proposed full-year dividend 11.71 pence per share (2018: 11.05 pence per share) and reflecting their progressive dividend policy. The final dividend will be paid on 14 May 2020 to shareholders on the register on 2 April 2020, subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 9 May 2020.

The Spectris Board is proposing to pay a final dividend of 43.2 pence per share which, combined with the interim dividend of 21.9 pence, gives a total of 65.1 pence per share for the year, an increase of 6.7%. This is consistent with their policy of making progressive dividend payments based upon affordability and sustainability and represents the 30th year in succession of dividend growth. The dividend will be paid on 22 June 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 22 May 2020. The ex-dividend date is 26 May 2020.

In line with their policy, the Board is maintaining the interim core dividend at 1.11p per share (2018: 1.11p). The interim dividend payment date will be 9 April 2020 and the ex-dividend date is 5 March 2020 (record date 6 March 2020).

The Smith & Nephew Board has announced they plan to recommend a Final Dividend of 23.1¢ per share (46.2¢ per ADS). Together with an Interim Dividend of 14.4¢ per share (28.8¢ per ADS), this will give a total distribution of 37.5¢ per share (75.0¢ per ADS) for 2019, representing year-on-year growth of 4% in the declared full year dividend. The Final Dividend will be paid on 6 May 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 April 2020.

The BAE Systems Board has recommended a final dividend of 13.8p for a total of 23.2p for the full year. Subject to shareholder approval at the May 2020 Annual General Meeting, the dividend will be paid on 1 June 2020 to holders of ordinary shares registered on 17 April 2020.

Taking into account the performance of the Group's producing assets in 2019 and the outlook for 2020, the Kaz Minerals Board has recommended a final dividend of 8.0 US cents per share. Combined with the interim dividend of 4.0 US cents per share, the dividend in respect of the 2019 financial year is 12.0 US cents per share.

The Group is strongly capital generative, although this has been impacted by PPI in 2019. Given a strong capital position at the year end, the Lloyds Banking Board has recommended a final ordinary dividend of 2.25 pence per share, bringing the total ordinary dividend for the year to 3.37 pence per share. This represents an increase of 5 per cent on 2018 and is in line with their progressive and sustainable ordinary dividend policy. The Group's capital position remains strong with a pro forma CET1 ratio of 13.8 per cent after allowing for ordinary dividends.

In line with the Anglo American Group's established dividend policy to pay out 40% of underlying earnings, the Board has proposed a dividend of $0.47 per share, bringing the total dividends paid and proposed in respect of 2019 to $1.09 per share (2018: $1.00 per share).