Dividend
The Board revised and implemented a new dividend policy in the year, which is supported by strong underlying cash generation to enhance distribution returns to shareholders during Grainger's strategic transition, with payment aligned to the group's strategy of growing rental income.
The policy is to distribute the equivalent to 50% of annual net rental income. Around one-third of the payment will be made through the interim dividend based on half year results, with the balance paid through the final dividend. As the shape of the business evolves to a more balanced total return model, we are committed to delivering progressive and sustainable dividend returns.
The dividend payment for the year will be £18.7m, 50% of the £37.4m net rental income reported. This delivers 64% growth in the total dividend for the year to 4.5p per share, comprising 1.45p interim dividend and 3.05p proposed final dividend. The dividend is 4.0x covered by diluted EPS.
If approved at the AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 10 February 2017 to Shareholders on the register at the close of business on 30 December 2016.
