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Suncorp’s Dividend Plan Raises Questions on DRP Uptake and Currency Choices

Financial Services By Claire Turing 3 min read

Suncorp Group Limited has announced a fully franked ordinary dividend of AUD 0.17 per share for the half-year ending December 2025, alongside a Dividend Reinvestment Plan open to select shareholders.

  • Ordinary dividend of AUD 0.17 per share fully franked at 30%
  • Dividend payable on 31 March 2026 with ex-date 23 February 2026
  • Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available with no discount
  • DRP participation limited to shareholders in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the UK
  • Currency payment options include AUD and NZD based on shareholder banking details

Suncorp’s Dividend Announcement

Suncorp Group Limited has confirmed an ordinary dividend of AUD 0.17 per fully paid ordinary share for the six months ending 31 December 2025. This dividend is fully franked, reflecting the company’s continued profitability and strong tax position, with a franking credit rate of 30%. The payment is scheduled for 31 March 2026, with the critical ex-dividend date set for 23 February 2026 and the record date on 24 February 2026.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan Details

Alongside the cash dividend, Suncorp is offering shareholders the option to participate in its Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP). Notably, the DRP carries no discount on the reinvestment price, which is calculated based on the volume-weighted average price of Suncorp shares over a defined period starting 2 March 2026. Participation in the DRP is geographically restricted to shareholders residing in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, reflecting regulatory and administrative considerations.

Currency and Payment Options

Suncorp has also provided flexibility regarding the currency in which dividends are paid. Shareholders with Australian bank accounts will receive payments in Australian dollars, while those with New Zealand bank accounts will receive payments in New Zealand dollars, converted at the Reserve Bank of Australia’s foreign exchange rate as of 24 February 2026. Shareholders without specified banking instructions will have their dividends withheld in the default currency based on their registered address. Additionally, shareholders can elect to receive dividends in an alternative currency by liaising with the share registry, MUFG Corporate Markets.

Implications for Investors

This dividend announcement underscores Suncorp’s stable earnings and commitment to returning value to shareholders. The fully franked nature of the dividend is particularly attractive to Australian investors seeking tax-effective income streams. Meanwhile, the DRP offers a convenient way for eligible shareholders to compound their investment without incurring brokerage fees, although the absence of a discount may temper participation levels.

Investors should note the upcoming deadlines for DRP election (25 February 2026) and currency election (24 February 2026) to ensure their preferences are registered in time. The market will be watching closely for shareholder uptake of the DRP and any subsequent impact on Suncorp’s share price post the ex-dividend date.

Bottom Line?

Suncorp’s steady dividend and DRP terms set the stage for investor decisions ahead of the March payment date.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will shareholder participation in the DRP affect Suncorp’s share liquidity?
  • Will the lack of a DRP discount influence uptake among eligible shareholders?
  • Could currency election options impact dividend flows for offshore investors?