CHURCHILL CHINA plc
(“Churchill China” or the “Company”)
HALF YEAR TRADING UPDATE and DECLARATION of INTERIM DIVIDEND
Churchill China plc (AIM: CHH), the manufacturer of innovative performance ceramic products serving hospitality markets worldwide, is pleased to provide an update in relation to trading for the six months ended 30 June 2021.
The improved trading performance referred to in our Annual General Meeting announcement on 1 June 2021 has been maintained throughout the month of June. Revenue in both May and June recovered to 2019 levels and we continue to enjoy a good forward order book. This improved performance reflects progress across the UK, Europe and our other export markets. We do however remain mindful that COVID continues to introduce a degree of uncertainty into our assessment of future market and operational conditions.
In our Preliminary Results announcement on 19 April 2021 we indicated that the Board would review its dividend policy at the earliest opportunity once a clearer pattern of trading had been established. Given the performance achieved in the period ended 30 June 2021 along with our strong financial position the Board is pleased to declare an interim dividend of 6.7p per share (2020: nil). This dividend will be paid on 3 September 2021 to shareholders on the register at 6 August 2021, with an ex-dividend date of 5 August 2021. Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants claimed in relation to 2021 have been repaid. The Board wishes to thank shareholders alongside employees and other stakeholders in the business for their support over the period of the pandemic.
We expect to announce our Interim Results for the six month period ended 30 June 2021 on 1 September 2021.