Dividend Policy
Our policy to increase dividends progressively whilst maintaining dividend cover of at least 2x remains. However, in light of the challenging trading environment faced by the Group, the Board concluded at the 2008 preliminary results that it was prudent to retain maximum capital flexibility for the Group. Therefore, alongside actions being taken on costs and in other areas of the business, the Board did not propose a final dividend for 2008, or interim dividend for 2009, and does not envisage paying dividends until the trading environment improves.
Dividend History
| Year | Record Date | Ex-dividend date | Payment date | Dividend p/share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 03-Oct-08 | 01-Oct-08 | 31-Oct-08 | 3.2 |
| 2007 | 09-May-08 | 07-May-08 | 06-June-08 | 15.5 |
| 05-Oct-07 | 03-Oct-07 | 30-Oct-07 | 7.1 | |
| 2006 | 05-May-07 | 02-May-07 | 08-June-07 | 17.2 |
| 06-Oct-06 | 04-Oct-06 | 31-Oct-06 | 7.1 | |
| 2005 | 05-May-06 | 03-May-06 | 9-June-06 | 15.5 |
| 07-Oct-05 | 05-Oct-05 | 01-Nov-05 | 6.4 | |
| 2004 | 06-May-05 | 04-May-05 | 10-June-05 | 14.30 |
| 08-Oct-04 | 06-Oct-04 | 01-Nov-04 | 5.90 | |
| 2003 | 07-May-04 | 05-May-04 | 07-June-04 | 12.80 |
| 03-Oct-03 | 01-Oct-03 | 31-Oct-03 | 5.30 | |
| 2002 | 09-May-03 | 07-May-03 | 04-June-03 | 12.30 |
| 04-Oct-02 | 02-Oct-02 | 31-Oct-02 | 5.30 | |
| 2001 | 03-May-02 | 01-May-02 | 05-June-02 | 12.30 |
| 05-Oct-01 | 03-Oct-01 | 31-Oct-01 | 5.30 | |
| 2000 | 04-May-01 | 02-May-01 | 31-May-01 | 12.30 |
| 29-Sep-00 | 25-Sep-00 | 27-Oct-00 | 5.30 | |
| 1999 | 02-May-00 | 25-April-00 | 31-May-00 | 11.20 |
| 20-Aug-99 | 16-Aug-99 | 29-Oct-99 | 4.80 | |
| 1998 | 12-Mar-99 | 8-Mar-99 | 7-May-99 | 10.10 |
| 02-Oct-98 | 28-Sep-98 | 30-Oct-98 | 4.40 | |
| 1997 | 03-Apr-98 | 30-Mar-98 | 01-May-98 | 9.2 |
| 03-Oct-97 | 29-Sep-97 | 31-Oct-97 | 4.0 |
