Original article by James Frost, Aleks Vickovich, James Eyers
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 15 & 19 : 4-May-20
Westpac’s dividend payout is likely to be a key focus for investors when its half-year financial results are released on 4 May. Westpac has already advised of $1.6bn in impairment charges for coronavirus-related loan losses. Matt Williams of Airlie Funds Management says Westpac should not pay an interim dividend, arguing that investors expect companies to preserve capital in the current environment. David Walker of Clime Asset Management in turn expects Westpac to pay a much lower half-year dividend and opt for a dividend reinvestment plan.
CORPORATES
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION – ASX WBC, AIRLIE FUNDS MANAGEMENT PTY LTD, CLIME ASSET MANAGEMENT PTY LTD