Sector: Retailers

Winkworth ended the year with a strong net cash position and the directors are have announced that the Company will pay an increased dividend of 2.1p (2018: 1.9p) per share for the fourth quarter of 2019, bringing total dividend payments declared for the year to 7.8p (2018: 7.45p).

The Gately (Holdings) Board proposes an interim dividend of 2.9p (H1 19: 2.6p) per share that will be paid on 31 March 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 21 February 2020. The shares will go ex-dividend on 20 February 2020. This ensures shareholders' dividend growth is in line with PAT growth of 12.0% (H1 19: 18.0%).

The Shoe Zone Board is proposing to maintain the final dividend of 8.0p (2018: 8.0p) per share, giving a total ordinary dividend for the year of 11.5p (2018: 11.5p) per share, despite the fall in underlying earnings in the year. They believe that this demonstrates confidence in the future growth of the business while rewarding shareholders for their ongoing support. This results in a pay-out ratio above historical guidelines of 60% of earnings. 

Reflecting the Safestore's strong trading performance, the Board is recommending a 7.6% increase in the final dividend to 12.0 pence per share (FY2018: 11.15 pence per share) resulting in an increase of 7.7% in the total dividend to 17.5 pence per share for the year (FY2018: 16.25 pence per share).

The Board European Assets Trust board has confirmed that the Company's stated distribution policy of declaring, barring unforeseen circumstances, an annual dividend equivalent to six per cent of the net asset value per share at the end of the preceding year will be continued in 2020.   

Caledonia's strategy to maximise shareholder value includes a quarterly dividend policy which the Board of Directors adopted in 2014. The Board will consider future increases in the dividend as appropriate in line with its prudent approach to risk management.

Naked Wines announced in the FY19 results on 13 June 2019, that the final dividend was suspended, to be replaced with a special dividend equal to the final FY18 payment of 5.2p per share contingent on completion of the Majestic sale.

The Chemring Group Board is recommending a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 October 2019 of 2.4p (2018: 2.2p) per ordinary share. With the interim dividend of 1.2p per share (2018: 1.1p), this results in a total dividend of 3.6p (2018: 3.3p) per share.

As set out at IPO in September 2016, the Hollywood Bowl Board has adopted a progressive ordinary dividend for the Group, reflecting its strong cash flow and profit, whilst allowing it to retain sufficient capital to fund its investment in existing centres as well as new centres, all to drive the long-term sustainable profitability of the business. 

The Electra plc Board has declared a first Special Dividend FY20 of £12 million or 31p per share payable on 24 January 2020 to shareholders on the register at close on 27 December 2019.