Calculation of interim dividend
The calculation of interim dividends involves determining a proportion of the company's earnings allocated to shareholders on a per-share basis. The formula is straightforward:
Interim dividend per share = (Earnings of the company × dividend payout ratio/Number of shares)
When a company decides to pay both interim and final dividends within the same fiscal year, the interim dividend is generally lower than the final one. This strategy is employed to mitigate the impact on the company's operational capacity in case yearly earnings fall below projections. The calculation of interim dividends involves a meticulous consideration of the company's financial health and performance.
Example of Interim dividend
Let us say Company X Ltd. records strong profits in the first half of the financial year. To reward shareholders early, the board declares an interim dividend of Rs. 0.2 per share. If a shareholder holds 1,000 shares, they would receive Rs. 200 as an interim dividend. This payment is made before the annual financial results are declared and shows the company’s confidence in its ongoing performance. However, it doesn’t guarantee a final dividend at year-end.
Why do companies pay interim dividends?
Companies pay interim dividends to provide shareholders with regular income between final dividend payments, offering timely returns instead of a single large payout at year-end.
- Reward for shareholders
The payouts through interim dividends are a way for companies to let in their shareholders in their profits more consistently. This way, shareholders retain confidence in their investments as they get regular returns.
- Surplus fund utilisation
Interim dividends are also a great way to put surplus funds to effective use as they might not be immediately needed elsewhere for operations.
- Relationship with investors
As a reflection of the business’s commitment to providing its shareholders with returns, interim dividends can enhance investor-business relationships.
- Capital structure management
Paying interim dividends could very well be a part of a company’s capital management structure. It can help maintain a robust balance between profit distribution to shareholders and retaining profits for potential future growth.
- Perception of market
When a company regularly pays its shareholders, it goes a long way in enhancing its reputation and perception in the market. Consistent dividend payouts are a sign of financial success and stability. It can also attract more potential investors, affecting stock prices as well.
How is the interim dividend funded?
Interim dividends are generally paid out from a company’s retained earnings—profits accumulated over previous periods but not yet distributed. Drawing from this reserve allows the company to reward shareholders without placing undue strain on the current year’s profits, which may still be uncertain or incomplete at the time.
Here is a breakdown of how interim dividends are funded:
Current profits: These are the earnings generated in the first half or quarters of the financial year. If the company reports healthy performance, it may distribute part of these profits as interim dividends.
Retained earnings: If current profits are insufficient or if the company wants to maintain steady dividend payouts, it may dip into its retained earnings—accumulated profits from previous years.
Free reserves: Companies can also use free reserves, which are surplus funds not earmarked for any specific purpose, to support interim payouts.
Board approval required: Only the Board of Directors can approve interim dividends, without needing shareholder consent.
This balanced approach allows firms to maintain liquidity while rewarding shareholders.
Types of dividends
Primarily, there are three kinds of dividend payments, which are explained below:
Final dividend
This is the final dividend payment that a business makes in a given financial year. This is typically approved and declared by the directors of the company once the annual financials are decided at the tail end of a financial year. Thus, it is directly indicative of a business’s financial performance.
Interim dividend
As interim dividends are paid out before the annual financial results, this is only a partial profit disbursement. This helps regularise dividend payments as investors do not have to wait for a financial year to end for their income.
Special dividend
Special dividends are one-time payments. These are made in addition to the other forms of dividends and are not recurring. Usually, they are made when a firm generates more money than expected. This could be extraordinary profits or the sale of major assets, etc.
Benefits of interim dividends for shareholders
For shareholders, there are numerous benefits of interim dividends. Let us take a look at a few key advantages:
Regular income
As final dividends are only announced at the end of a financial year, interim dividends help shareholders secure a stable income throughout the year. This directly contributes to shareholders’ financial well-being.
Indicator of financial performance
The declaration of interim dividends is in itself a positive sign of a firm’s robust financial performance. It signals overall positive results at the end of the fiscal year.
Shareholder confidence
Interim dividends are a way for companies to show that they are committed to paying returns to their shareholders. This improves shareholder confidence and trust and directly enhances the market perception of the company and its performance.
Improved liquidity
These dividend payouts directly enhance shareholder liquidity by providing them with cash. This empowers shareholders to either allocate the dividend to fulfil personal financial goals or reinvest.
The board of directors typically decides whether to issue an interim dividend and how it will be funded. This decision is based on a thorough review of the company’s financial results, liquidity position, and overall market conditions to ensure the distribution aligns with its long-term financial strategy.
Difference between interim and final dividend
The table below shows the difference between interim and final dividends:
Interim dividend
|
Final dividend
|
Declared before the financial year
|
Declared after the financial year
|
Revocation with shareholder consent
|
Irrevocable
|
The rate is usually less than the final dividend
|
The rate is higher than the interim dividend
|
Announced by the Board of Directors
|
Recommended at AGM
|
Declared if articles expressly allow
|
No special provision in the articles
|
Conclusion
In conclusion, interim dividends serve as a vital component in the securities market, offering companies a flexible mechanism to reward shareholders. Understanding the calculation, funding, and differences between interim and final dividends empowers investors and stakeholders to make informed decisions.
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