Any chance for a change to an evenly distributed amount of dividend (i.e. four equal payments, instead of a large payment for the fourth interim dividend) starting from 2011?
Our longstanding policy is to provide consistent increases in ordinary dividends, linked to the underlying earnings performance of the business. It would therefore be prudent to fix the amount of the fourth interim dividend (in lieu of final dividend) after the final accounts and earnings of the year have been finalised. Besides, even though we believe shareholders will welcome the more even timing of dividend payments over the year and the earlier payment of the fourth dividend, we will consult shareholders at the 2011 Annual General Meeting on whether we should continue with this new approach in future years.
