COUNT LIMITED has updated its dividend announcement to synchronize the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) securities issue date with the dividend payment date, maintaining a fully franked AUD 0.02 per share payout for the half-year ending December 2025.
- Dividend of AUD 0.02 per share fully franked at 30%
- DRP securities issue date amended to 20 March 2026
- Record date set for 2 March 2026, payment date 20 March 2026
- DRP shares issued at average market price with no discount
- Participation in DRP optional with no minimum or maximum limits
Dividend Update and Timing Alignment
COUNT LIMITED (ASX: CUP), a player in the Australian food and beverage sector, has issued an update to its recent dividend announcement. The company has amended the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) securities issue date to 20 March 2026, aligning it precisely with the dividend payment date. This adjustment ensures compliance with ASX Listing Rules and provides clarity for shareholders regarding the timing of dividend payments and reinvestment options.
Dividend Details and Franking Status
The declared ordinary dividend is AUD 0.02 per fully paid ordinary share, relating to the six-month period ending 31 December 2025. Importantly for investors, this dividend is fully franked at the corporate tax rate of 30%, which means shareholders receive a tax credit reflecting the tax already paid by the company. The record date for determining entitlement to the dividend is 2 March 2026, with the ex-dividend date set for 27 February 2026.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Mechanics
COUNT LIMITED’s DRP remains a full plan, allowing shareholders to reinvest their dividends into new shares rather than receiving cash. The shares issued under the DRP will be priced at the arithmetic average of the daily volume weighted average sale price over five trading days starting two days after the record date, with no discount applied. Shareholders who do not elect to participate will receive their dividends in cash. Notably, there are no minimum or maximum participation limits, making the plan accessible to all shareholders regardless of their holding size.
Implications for Investors and Market
This update provides greater certainty on the timing of dividend payments and reinvestment, which is critical for income-focused investors and those looking to compound their holdings through the DRP. The fully franked nature of the dividend enhances its attractiveness in the current tax environment. Aligning the DRP securities issue date with the payment date also simplifies administrative processes and reduces potential confusion among shareholders.
While the dividend amount is modest, it reflects steady shareholder returns consistent with COUNT LIMITED’s recent performance. Market participants will be watching for the level of DRP participation, which can signal shareholder confidence and impact the company’s capital structure going forward.
Bottom Line?
COUNT LIMITED’s dividend update streamlines shareholder returns and sets the stage for investor engagement ahead of the March payment.
Questions in the middle?
- What level of shareholder participation will the DRP attract given no discount on share price?
- Could the fully franked dividend signal stable earnings ahead for COUNT LIMITED?
- How might the updated DRP timing affect the company’s capital management strategy?