The Close Brothers Board is proposing a final dividend of 45.0p per share, resulting in a full-year dividend per share of 67.5p (2022: 66.0p). Although the proposed level of dividend cover for 2023 is below our historical range, driven primarily by the adverse impact of increased provisions in relation to Novitas on our profitability, the proposed dividend reflects their underlying performance and the board's confidence in the group's outlook.
Subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 24 November 2023 to shareholders on the register at 20 October 2023.
