n accordance with its normal policy, the Company expects to pay quarterly interim dividends each year in March, June, September and December. The Company has previously indicated that the first three payments in respect of 2018 (in June, September and December) will, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances, be paid at a rate of 5.25 pence per share, being one quarter of the full year payment for 2017 (21.0 pence). The fourth payment (in March 2019) will be a balancing amount, reflecting the difference between the three quarterly dividends already paid and the payment decided for the full year.
Accordingly, the Company hereby announces that a first interim dividend of 5.25 pence per ordinary share of 25 pence, in respect of the year ending 31 December 2018, will be paid on Monday 18 June 2018 to shareholders registered at the close of business on Friday 18 May 2018 (ex-dividend date Thursday 17 May 2018).