FRANCE: Pernod Ricard shareholders approve dividend

3 November 2009 | Source: just-drinks.com editorial team

Pernod Ricard shareholders have approved a cash dividend payment of EUR0.5 (US$0.74) per share for the French wine and spirit group's most recent fiscal year.

Shareholders approved the payment at the group's annual general meeting yesterday (2 November).

"Due to the payment of an interim dividend on 8 July 2009, no further dividend will be paid," said the company, which owns Jameson whiskey, Absolut vodka and Martell Cognac. 

"The return to the usual cash dividend distribution policy of one third of net profits from recurring operations is planned for the 2009/10 financial year," said the group.

Shareholders also approved Pernod's plan to increase the company's share capital, by issuing one share for every 50 held.

Prior to yesterday's meeting, Pernod said that it expects like-for-like operating profits to rise by between 1% and 3% for its full-year, to the end of June 2010.