Dividends
Dividend history
The following is the dividend history of the Company since November 2015:
| Dividends | Interim – FYE 29/02/16 | Final – FYE 29/02/16 | Interim – FYE 28/02/17 | Final – FYE 28/02/17 | Interim – FYE 28/02/18 | Final – FYE 28/02/18 | Interim – FYE 28/02/19 | Final – FYE 28/02/19 | Interim – FYE 29/02/19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record date | 06/11/2015 | 20/05/2016 | 04/11/2016 | 26/05/2017 | 03/11/2017 | 25/05/2018 | 2/11/2018 | 31/05/2019 | 01/11/2019 |
| Dividend per Share (€ cent) | 4.73 | 8.92 | 4.96 | 9.37 | 5.21 | 9.37 | 5.33 | 9.98 | 5.50 |
| Scrip price € | 3.666720 | 3.954760 | 3.443240 | 3.4031200 | 2.941360 | 2.948600 | 3.364640 | 3.707100 | 4.459160* |
| Scrip ratio (no DWT) | 1 for every 77.520507 | 1 for every 44.335874 | 1 for every 69.420161 | 1 for every 36.319317 | 1 for every 56.456046 | 1 for every 31.468517 | 1 for every 63.126454 | 1 for every 37.145291 | 1 for every 81.075636 |
| Scrip ratio (DWT) | 1 for every 96.900634 | 1 for every 55.419843 | 1 for every 86.775202 | 1 for every 45.399146 | 1 for every 70.570058 | 1 for every 39.335646 | 1 for every 78.908068 | 1 for every 46.431613 | 1 for every 101.344545 |
Methods of payment
Shareholders can elect to receive their dividends directly into their bank account by electronic funds transfer. Shareholders should complete the required dividend mandate form and submit it to the Company’s Registrars. The mandate form appears on the back of the dividend voucher, alternatively the dividend bank-payment mandate form can be downloaded from the following link. Tax vouchers will be sent to the shareholder’s registered address under this arrangement. Shareholders should note that in cases where a properly completed form has not been received by the record date for a dividend a cheque will be issued to the registered address of the shareholder, elections made are evergreen (will carry forward on future dividends) unless the shareholder informs the Company’s Registrars of any changes.
Currency of payment
Dividends are generally paid in euro. However, for certificated shareholders with registered addresses in the United Kingdom, dividends are paid in sterling, unless otherwise requested. If you are a UK-registered shareholder and wish to have your dividend paid in euro or a shareholder based elsewhere who wishes to elect for a sterling payment, please complete a currency election form which can be found on the following link. Shareholders should note that in cases where a properly completed form has not been received by the record date for a dividend the default currency applicable will be assigned to the shareholder’s account, elections made are evergreen (will carry forward on future dividends) unless the shareholder informs the Company’s Registrars of any changes. Persons who hold interests in shares through the Euroclear Bank system or as CDIs through the CREST system should consult with their stockbroker or other intermediary for further information on the processes and timelines for submitting currency elections through the respective systems.
Scrip dividend alternative
The Company normally offers shareholders the opportunity to elect to receive a scrip dividend in lieu of cash payment in respect of each dividend. This enables shareholders to increase their shareholding in the Company in a cost effective manner by acquiring additional shares instead of receiving the cash dividend. For further information see Rules of the Scrip Dividend Scheme. Details of the scrip dividend alternative available in respect of the latest dividend are available here. Scrip dividend election and mandate forms for this dividend are available here. Persons who hold interests in shares through the Euroclear Bank system or as CDIs through the CREST system should consult with their stockbroker or other intermediary for further information on the processes and timelines for submitting Scrip elections.
Dividend Withholding Tax
Irish Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) will be deducted from dividends paid by the Company, unless a shareholder is entitled to an exemption and has submitted a properly completed exemption form to the Company’s Registrars. DWT applies to dividends whether paid by way of cash or by way of shares under the scrip dividend scheme and is deducted at the standard rate of Income Tax (currently 25%). Where a shareholder elects to receive a scrip dividend, the DWT is deducted by way of an adjustment to the number of scrip shares issued in lieu of the cash dividend. Shareholders who are not resident in Ireland and certain Irish companies, trusts, pension schemes, investment undertakings and charities may be entitled to claim exemption from DWT. Individuals who are resident in Ireland for tax purposes are not entitled to an exemption. Further information and copies of exemption forms click here. Shareholders should note that DWT will be deducted from dividends in cases where a properly completed form has not been received by the record date for a dividend. For DWT forms click here. The Company and the Registrars cannot give tax advice. If you are in any doubt about your position, you should consult a financial or tax adviser.