Dividends
The company intends to maintain a dividend policy which takes into account the profitability of the business and underlying growth in earnings of the Group, as well as its cash flows and growth requirements. The Directors will also ensure that dividend cover is prudently maintained. Interim and final dividends will be paid in the approximate proportions of one-third and two-thirds, respectively, of the total annual dividend.
| Declared and Paid | US c/share |
|---|---|
| ($m) | |
| 2005 | |
| Full year dividend paid in May 2006 in respect of 2005 earnings ($170m) | 36.0 |
| 2006 | |
| Interim dividend paid in October 2006 in respect of 2006 earnings ($60m) | 12.8 |
| Final dividend paid in May 2007 in respect of 2006 earnings ($120m) | 25.7 |
| 2007 | |
| Interim Dividend paid in October 2007 in respect of 2007 earnings ($64m) | 13.6 |
| Special dividend paid in October 2007 ($235m) | 50.0 |
| Final dividend paid in May 2008 in respect of 2007 earnings ($126m) | 27.4 |