ANZ has posted a statutory profit after tax of $1.33 billion for the third quarter to 30 June, 2020, and the board has proposed an interim dividend of 25 cents per share, fully franked.
In an announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), ANZ also posted a cash profit from continuing operations of $1.498 billion.
While ANZ deferred the interim dividend in April, the proposed dividend would be paid to shareholders on 30 September, 2020, and New Zealand imputation credits of NZ$3 cents per ordinary share would also be attached.
ANZ said the interim dividend represented 46% of ANZ’s 1H20 statutory profit, or 30% of 1H20 statutory profit adjusted for the impairment of Asian associates at 31 March, which reduced statutory profit but did not impact capital as the investments were full capital deductions.
ANZ chair, David Gonski, said: “We’ve been able to build on our strong capital position this quarter and this has enabled us to pay a dividend that balances the needs of our shareholders with the uncertain economic environment.
“We agree with APRA’s [Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s] view that all ADIs should be prudent in considering dividends.”
