Latest news with #dividends
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Irish Life pays €1.85bn of dividends in dozen years under Canadian ownership
Irish Life Group has paid €265.5 million in dividends to its overseas parent in the past 18 months, bringing total payments since it was bought from the State during the financial crisis to about €1.85 billion. The payouts, which include €29.5 million handed over in March, eclipse the €1.3 billion that Winnipeg-based Great-West Lifeco paid for the Republic's largest life and pensions group in 2013 when it bought the business from the State. The dividend were paid to Irish Life Group's immediate parent in the UK. Irish Life Group, the holding company at the top of the group, led by chief executive Declan Bolger , saw its net profit decline 53 per cent last year to €223.9 million, according to its latest set of accounts, filed with the Companies Registration Office this week. This was down to a decline in dividends from its main subsidiary, Irish Life Assurance, to €215 million from €314.6 million in 2023. READ MORE However, the previous year's payments from the unit had been driven by a once-off €115 million special dividend from a sale of a tranche of business to AIB Life, a new life and pensions joint venture set up by AIB and another arm of Great-West Lifeco, Canada Life Ireland Holdings Ltd, in 2023. Dividends from Irish Life Health fell by 50 per cent to €11 million last year, the report said. Both subsidiaries 'continued to be profitable during 2024' and maintained solvency reserves above what has been targeted by the group, it added. The State bought Irish Life in 2011 from PTSB, then known as Irish Life & Permanent, for €1.3 billion to limit the taxpayer bailout bill for the mortgage-focused lender. It subsequently sold the business in 2013 for the same price to Great-West Lifeco. PTSB remains 57 per cent owned by the Government. Former Irish Life chief executive David Harney became CEO of Great-West Lifeco at the start of this month, succeeding Paul Mahon, who has led the group for 12 years. Mr Harney, a Roscommon native, joined Irish Life straight from school almost four decades ago and ultimately served as its head for four years, before becoming president and chief operating officer for Europe for Great-West Lifeco in 2020. While Irish Life has paid big dividends to its Canadian parent over the years, its owner has also backed the business in investing to grow its customer base by more than 50 per cent over the period, helped by acquisitions. Purchases included financial advice companies Invesco, Acumen & Trust and APT. In 2021, the group paid €230 million for Ark Life, the former AIB life insurance arm that stopped taking new business in 2012 and where Irish Life had been the administrator of policies and manager of investments. The seller was ReAssure Limited, a UK company that specialises in managing closed books.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Chevron (CVX) a Good Long-Term Stock for Halal Portfolios?
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is included among the 11 Best Halal Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. An aerial view of an oil rig at sea, the sun glinting off its structure. The company has long been a reliable choice for investors, particularly those focused on dividends. It has consistently delivered strong cash flows and has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years. Although its share price tends to move with shifts in oil prices— mirroring the broader volatility seen in the energy sector— Chevron has remained a rewarding option for long-term dividend-focused investors. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)'s upstream segment remains a major strength and is expected to keep supporting the company's solid financial performance. With contributions from its TCO joint venture in Kazakhstan and its production assets in the Permian Basin and Gulf of America, the company anticipates an additional $10 billion in free cash flow by 2026 if Brent Crude averages $70 per barrel. If prices average $60 per barrel instead, the company still expects around $9 billion in incremental free cash flow from this segment. Currently, Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) offers a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.56%, as of July 18. While we acknowledge the potential of CVX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How To Earn $500 A Month From Alphabet Stock Ahead Of Q2 Earnings
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) will release earnings results for the second quarter, after the closing bell on Wednesday, July 23. Analysts expect the Mountain View, California-based company to report quarterly earnings at $2.17 per share, compared to $1.89 per share in the year-ago period. Alphabet projects to report quarterly revenue of $93.72 billion, compared to $84.74 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro. The Google parent company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in 10 straight quarters. It has also beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine straight quarters. With the recent buzz around Alphabet, some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends. As of now, Alphabet offers an annual dividend yield of 0.44%, which is a semi-annual dividend amount of 21 cents per share (84 cents a year). So, how can investors exploit its dividend yield to pocket a regular $500 monthly? To earn $500 per month or $6,000 annually from dividends alone, you would need an investment of approximately $1,366,742 or around 7,143 shares. For a more modest $100 per month or $1,200 per year, you would need $273,425 or around 1,429 shares. To calculate: Divide the desired annual income ($6,000 or $1,200) by the dividend ($0.84 in this case). So, $6,000 / $0.84 = 7,143 ($500 per month), and $1,200 / $0.84 = 1,429 shares ($100 per month). View more earnings on GOOGL Note that the dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, as both the dividend payment and the stock price fluctuate over time. How that works: The dividend yield is computed by dividing the annual dividend payment by the stock's current price. For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and is currently priced at $50, the dividend yield would be 4% ($2/$50). However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield drops to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price falls to $40, the dividend yield rises to 5% ($2/$40). Similarly, changes in the dividend payment can impact the yield. If a company increases its dividend, the yield will also increase, provided the stock price stays the same. Conversely, if the dividend payment decreases, so will the yield. GOOGL Price Action: Shares of Alphabet gained 0.7% to close at $191.34 on More: Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? ALPHABET (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report ALPHABET (GOOG): Free Stock Analysis Report This article How To Earn $500 A Month From Alphabet Stock Ahead Of Q2 Earnings originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
NBK reports KD 315.3mln in net profit for 1H2025
By retaining interim earnings till year-end and focusing on end of year final dividends distribution, NBK positions itself to seize growth opportunities as they emerge during the fiscal year Al-Bahar: NBK delivered outstanding operational results, driven by a well-anchored strategy centered on a diversified business mix and prudent risk management The Bank's strong financial performance underscores its ability to adapt effectively to shifting economic conditions Our robust balance sheet continues to support the delivery of superior returns to shareholders and sustained value to customers Al-Sager: NBK continues to demonstrate its adaptability to evolving operating conditions Earnings highlight the strength of our diversification strategy and our success in fostering sustainable growth NBK remains focused on enhancing its domestic competitiveness while expanding its presence in international markets Strong demand from global investors for our recent bond issuance reflects confidence in the Bank's credit worthiness We are committed to supporting domestic economic growth through financing strategic development projects Advancing further economic legislative reforms will be key to unlocking stronger growth momentum We maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook for project activity in the second half of the year and beyond The government's commitment to empowering the private sector participation under Kuwait Vision 2035 will play a vital role in driving economic expansion National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced its financial results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2025, reporting a net profit of KD 315.3 million (USD 1.0 billion), compared to KD 292.4 million (USD 957.8 million) for the corresponding period in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.8%. Profit before tax reached KD 401.5 million (USD 1.3 billion) during the period, marking a 17.0% increase compared to KD 343.1 million (USD 1.1 billion) in the corresponding period of 2024. As of the end of June 2025, total assets rose by 15.9% year-on-year to KD 43.6 billion (USD 143.0 billion), while total loans and advances grew by 12.1% year-on-year, reaching KD 25.5 billion (USD 83.5 billion). Customer deposits grew by 9.5% on an annual basis, reaching KD 23.9 billion (USD 78.2 billion) by the end of June 2025. Meanwhile, shareholders' equity reached KD 4.2 billion (USD 13.9 billion), reflecting a growth of 10.3% year-on-year. The Board of Directors has opted to retain interim earnings till year-end, focusing on end of year final dividend distribution. The decision reflects the Board's commitment to strengthening the Group's balance sheet in seizing promising growth opportunities across its operating markets, particularly in light of the anticipated pickup in business activity in Kuwait, while maintaining flexibility in managing interim capital adequacy ratio. A Robust Strategy Commenting on the Bank's 1H2025 financial results, Mr. Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman stated, 'NBK's strong performance reflects its ability to navigate varying economic conditions, even amid heightened geopolitical challenges and global trade tensions stemming from recent U.S. tariffs. The Bank's solid operational results underscore the strength of its well-established strategy, anchored in a diversified business model and prudent risk management.' Al-Bahar emphasized that NBK's strong balance sheet, solid capital base, and high asset quality reinforces the Bank's ability to deliver sustainable profitability and optimal returns for shareholders and customers; while continuing to support the prosperity of the communities in which it operates. Al-Bahar noted that the Bank achieved several milestones across various areas during the first half of the year, most notably its selection as Kuwait's Main Settlement Bank. He emphasized that this recognition reflects years of continuous investment in enhancing the Bank's digital infrastructure, which qualified NBK to meet the technical and operational requirements set by Kuwait Clearing Company (KCC); securing the highest ratings among participants in the Central Counterparty Project (CCP). Reflecting its long-standing commitment to sustainability, Al-Bahar noted that NBK has continued to make significant strides toward a more sustainable future. He pointed to recent upgrades in the Bank's ESG ratings by leading global agencies, including Morningstar Sustainalytics and MSCI, as clear recognition of NBK's dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound governance practices. This was reinforced by the publication of the first allocation and impact report for its debut USD 500 green bond issued in June 2024, which is the first issuance of its kind in Kuwait. The report provides relevant information that highlights the allocation of proceeds from the green bond as of 31 March 2025 and the estimated environmental impact during the reporting period. Sustainable Growth Meanwhile, Mr. Isam J. Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, said: 'Once again, NBK continues to affirm the resilience of its business model and its agility in navigating a shifting operating environment, consistently delivering profit growth across economic cycles. This performance underscores the strength of the Group's geographic diversification strategy and the effectiveness of its long-term approach to driving sustainable growth.' He noted that the Bank delivered solid operating performance across its core business segments during the first half of 2025, with the Group's net operating income rising by 3.1% year-on-year to reach KD 631.4 million (USD 2.1 billion). Al-Sager highlighted the strong contribution of the International Banking Group (IBG), as well as Boubyan Bank — the Islamic banking arm of NBK— to the Group's net operating income and profitability during 1H2025. In addition, NBK Wealth continues to strengthen its position as the leading wealth management firm in Kuwait and among the largest in the region; offering a comprehensive suite of private banking, wealth and investment management solutions and advisory services through an integrated global network. During the first half of 2025, NBK continued to deliver an enriched banking experience, underpinned by innovative solutions tailored to meet evolving customer needs. The Bank further reinforced its digital leadership by introducing a suite of carefully designed digital services and products aligned with customer expectations. He added that NBK remains committed to investing in technology and innovation as a core driver of growth, underscoring the Bank's focus on strengthening its competitive edge in the domestic market and expanding its presence across international markets. Regarding NBK's recent USD 800 million PNC6 Additional Tier 1 bond issuance, Al-Sager emphasized that strong investor demand afforded the Bank a notable pricing advantage. He noted that the order book peaked at USD 2.2 billion, with subscriptions exceeding 2.75x the issue size; driven by solid interest from a diverse base of global investors and financial institutions. The Operational Environment Commenting on the local operating environment, Al-Sager expressed cautious optimism regarding the outlook for project activity in the second half of the year and beyond. He pointed to the government's announcement of 141 projects under the 2025/2026 annual development plan, including large-scale ventures such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Seaport, the expansion of the T2 passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, and the New Al-Sabah Hospital, as key drivers of anticipated momentum. Furthermore, he emphasized that the adoption of further economic legislative reforms would serve as a catalyst for accelerated economic growth, commending the government's commitment to enacting key legislation in the near term, including the anticipated approval of the mortgage law. He also underscored the importance of empowering the private sector to take a leading role in economic activity under Kuwait Vision 2035, noting that such measures are vital to enhancing the local business climate and supporting the growth of the national economy going forward. Prestigious Awards During the first half of 2025, NBK garnered several prestigious accolades that reaffirm its leadership both locally and regionally. These included being named Best Bank in Kuwait - 2025, as well as receiving awards for Best Retail Bank and Best Bank for SMEs in Kuwait by MEED International Magazine. Euromoney magazine also honored the Bank with multiple accolades in 2025, naming NBK Kuwait's Best Bank for ESG, Kuwait's Best Bank for Large Corporates, and Kuwait's Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion. Moreover, NBK has also garnered multiple accolades across the MENA region, including Best Loan Offering-2025, Best Contactless Payment Experience, and Payment Solution for SMEs, awarded by MEED Magazine. Key financial indicators for 1H2025 Net operating income stood at KD 631.4 million (USD 2.1 billion), up 3.1% year-on-year Total assets grew by 15.9% year-on-year, at KD 43.6 billion (USD 143.0 billion) Total loans and advances increased by 12.1% year-on-year to KD 25.5 billion (USD 83.5 billion) Customer deposits grew by 9.5% year-on-year to KD 23.9 billion (USD 78.2 billion) Shareholders' equity amounted to KD 4.2 billion, (USD 13.9 billion) registering an annual growth of 10.3%. Strong asset quality metrics, with NPL/gross loans ratio at 1.33% and an NPL coverage ratio of 252% Robust Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.4%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements. About NBK: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was established in 1952 as the first national bank and the first joint stock company in Kuwait and the Arab Gulf region. NBK achieved profits of USD 1. 9 billion (KD 600.1 million) in 2024, while the Bank's total assets reached USD 130.9 billion (KD 40.3 billion) by the end of 2024, and shareholders' equity reached USD 12. 7 billion (KD 3. 9 billion). NBK is the largest conventional financial institution in Kuwait and has actual predominance in the commercial banking sector. The bank has consistently retained the highest credit ratings among all banks in the region, as affirmed by renowned global ratings agencies such as Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch. Noteworthy is NBK's extensive network, encompassing branches and subsidiaries across key global financial hubs, including China, Geneva, London, Paris, New York, and Singapore. Additionally, NBK maintains a robust regional presence in Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. NBK Long-Term Rating Moody's Credit Rating: A1 Fitch Ratings: A+ Standard & Poor's Rating: A
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Earnings Preview: 4 Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks Well-Positioned to Increase Their Dividends
Time flies, and more than half of 2025 has flown by. As the end of July approaches, it's time for the third earnings season of this year. The blue-chip stocks will start reporting their first half of 2025 earnings. Investors will be closely scrutinising these results to assess how management is tackling the macroeconomic headwinds and Trump's tariffs. We picked out four blue-chip stocks that look well-positioned to report not just better results, but could also increase their dividends in tandem. DBS Group (SGX: D05) DBS is Singapore's largest bank by market capitalisation and provides a comprehensive range of banking, insurance, and investment services. The lender reported an admirable set of earnings for the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025) despite the imposition of a global minimum tax rate of 15%. Commercial book net interest income inched up 2% year on year to S$3.7 billion as DBS's loan book grew 2% year on year. Fee and commission income shot up 22% year on year to S$1.3 billion, with higher wealth management and credit card fees. Total income improved by 6% year on year to S$5.9 billion, but net profit dipped by 2% year on year because of the minimum tax rate. DBS raised its quarterly dividend from S$0.54 in 1Q 2024 to S$0.75, comprising a core ordinary dividend of S$0.60 and a capital return dividend of S$0.15. Interest rates could stay 'higher for longer' as Trump's tariffs reignite inflation, while strong jobs data in the US point to the central bank holding off from slashing rates for now. Hence, DBS should see its net interest income holding up for 2Q 2025, and the bank has also committed to paying out the same level of dividends as 1Q 2025. Fee income should also stay strong with robust wealth inflows into the Asian region, along with healthy consumer spending. Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX: S68) Singapore Exchange Limited, or SGX, is Singapore's sole stock exchange operator. Over the years, SGX has morphed into a multi-asset exchange by offering a wide suite of products to investors and fund managers. For the first half of fiscal 2025 (1H FY2025) ending 31 December 2024, net revenue rose 15.6% year on year to S$646.4 million. Net profit excluding one-off items surged 27.3% year on year to S$320.1 million. SGX upped its interim quarterly dividend to S$0.09 from S$0.085. With the bourse operator set to report its FY2025 results in the morning of 8 August, there's evidence that the group could continue to increase its dividends. Total derivatives volume for FY2025 climbed 17% year on year to 315.8 million contracts, with daily average volume up 17% year on year at 1.3 million contracts. Securities market turnover climbed 28% year on year to S$336.4 billion for FY2025. Management also communicated its intention to increase its dividend per share by a mid-single-digit % compound annual growth rate in the medium term. Therefore, there is a high chance that SGX could increase its quarterly dividend above the S$0.09 that was declared for FY2024. Hongkong Land Holdings (SGX: H78) Hongkong Land Holdings, or HKL, is a property investment, management, and development group with a mixed-use real estate footprint spanning more than 830,000 square metres across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The group reported a downbeat set of earnings for 2024 with underlying net profit tumbling 44% year on year to US$410 million. However, HKL upped its annual dividend from US$0.22 to US$0.23. The increase was due to the launch of HKL's strategic vision for 2035, where the real estate giant plans to grow its assets under management while exiting the development space. The plan to become asset-light will take place over the next decade, and management hopes to double HKL's dividend from 2023's levels. The group will also rely on third-party capital to grow its asset base and focus on ultra-luxury properties as its niche. When HKL announces its first half of 2025 (1H 2025) results, there is a high chance the group can pay out a higher interim dividend than 1H 2024's US$0.06. Keppel Ltd (SGX: BN4) Keppel is a global asset manager providing solutions to the infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity sectors. The group released an encouraging business update for 1Q 2025 with core net profit climbing by over 25% year on year. Recurring income also made up more than 80% of this net profit. Keppel also managed to grow its asset management fees by 9% year on year to S$96 million, showcasing steady progress in becoming more asset-light. The group has a strategic plan called Vision 2030 and is aiming to grow its funds under management to S$200 billion by the end of 2030. Around S$347 million in asset monetisation was announced year-to-date, and another S$550 million of potential real estate divestments are in advanced negotiations. With a higher level of divestments and Keppel's evolution to become an asset manager, there is a high chance that the group may raise its 1H 2025 interim dividend. The group will be releasing its half-year results on 31 July and could pay out more than the S$0.15 per share in interim dividend for 1H 2024. By the time your child grows up, inflation will have gobbled up their savings. If you not only want to protect their money but also grow it, there are 3 SGX stocks you can consider buying. One has already proven to give a 55.8% dividend payrise. Get all the details in our latest special FREE report. Just click here. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosure: Royston Yang owns shares of DBS Group and Singapore Exchange Limited. The post Earnings Preview: 4 Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks Well-Positioned to Increase Their Dividends appeared first on The Smart Investor. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
