Investors Face Key Timing as CitiFirst Instalments Go Ex-Dividend Ahead of March Payout

Citigroup Global Markets Australia has announced a fully franked AUD 2.25 dividend for CBA CitiFirst Instalments, with trading turning ex-dividend on 19 February 2025. This aligns with the CBA Ordinary Security dividend schedule, offering investors synchronized payout timing.

  • AUD 2.25 fully franked dividend declared for CBA CitiFirst Instalments
  • Record date set for 20 February 2025, matching CBA Ordinary Security
  • Ex-dividend trading begins 19 February 2025
  • Dividend payment expected on 28 March 2025
  • Announcement issued by Citigroup Global Markets Australia
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Dividend Declaration and Timing

Citigroup Global Markets Australia Pty Limited, the issuer behind the CBA CitiFirst Instalments (ASX codes CBAIOB, CBAIOD, and CBAIOE), has declared a fully franked dividend of AUD 2.25. The record date for entitlement to this dividend is set for 20 February 2025, aligning precisely with the record date for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Ordinary Security dividend. This synchronization ensures a streamlined dividend process for investors holding either security.

Ex-Dividend Trading Commences

Trading of the CitiFirst Instalments will commence ex-dividend on 19 February 2025, one day prior to the record date. This timing mirrors the ex-dividend date for the CBA Ordinary Security, reinforcing the close relationship between the instalments and the underlying bank shares. Investors purchasing the instalments on or after this date will not be entitled to the upcoming dividend, a critical consideration for those evaluating entry points.

Dividend Payment Schedule

The trustee responsible for the CitiFirst Instalments will coordinate the dividend payment to holders to coincide as closely as possible with the receipt of the dividend from CBA, which is expected on 28 March 2025. This approach aims to provide investors with timely access to dividend income, maintaining the appeal of the instalments as an income-generating instrument.

Market and Investor Implications

The announcement underscores the stable income profile of the CitiFirst Instalments, which are structured to offer investors exposure to CBA’s dividend streams with the added features of instalments. Given the fully franked nature of the dividend, investors benefit from potential tax advantages, enhancing the after-tax yield. The alignment of dividend dates with CBA Ordinary Securities may also simplify portfolio management for investors holding both instruments.

As the ex-dividend date approaches, market participants will be watching for price adjustments reflecting the dividend payout. The instalments’ trading behavior in this period could provide insights into investor sentiment toward CBA’s dividend outlook and broader market conditions.

Bottom Line?

With dividends aligned and ex-dividend trading imminent, CitiFirst Instalments remain a compelling income play to watch closely.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will the market price of CitiFirst Instalments adjust post ex-dividend date?
  • What impact might broader economic conditions have on future dividend sustainability?
  • Will investor demand for CitiFirst Instalments increase ahead of the dividend payment?