RE: Share buybacks21 May 2021 12:52
GGG,
Apologies to all for the rampant posting - it looks like I have too much time on my hands which I do ! I dont think for a moment that i3e are intentionally misleading shareholders with regards to the dividend. However :
1) There seems to be some doubt as to whether the dividend will be distributed quarterly or bi-annually. I cannot find where i3E have stated anything in this regard but I recall one of the broker notes referring to a bi-annual policy. Under a bi-annual policy, it is not unusual for the amounts to be different between interim and final results. i3e's commitment was a payout of 20 -30% of FCF on an annual basis - see references below.
2) I3e did site both approvals and balance sheet as the reason for the delays in progressing the dividend - it is quite possible that i3e declared the dividend amount prior to having a full handle on the balance sheet. Given that dividends are to be distributed at least bi-annually this should not have been a problem.
RNS--- 31 Mar--- " i3 has allocated CAD$2 million (£1.16 million) in relation to its planned Q1 2021 dividend....... Upon approval...... will immediately thereafter distribute the abovementioned dividend payment to its shareholders."
".....we are close to entering the final stages of the process to allow the declaration and payment of our maiden dividend and commence delivery on our promise to distribute at least 20% of our free cash flow ANNUALLY to our shareholders as dividends, subject to necessary consents"
RNS---23 Feb--- "It is expected that the Company will declare its maiden dividend in Q1 2021 - subject to loan note holder, judicial, and shareholder approval - for payment in early Q2. As previously disclosed, the Company aims to distribute up to 30% of free cash flow as a dividend to shareholders"
RNS ---2 Nov---"The Company envisages the declaration and payment of its first dividend in the first quarter of 2021. As previously disclosed the Company aims to pay out up to 30% of free cashflow as a dividend to shareholders. Based on the current share price, the Company expects the dividend yield to be in excess of 10% on an ANNUALL basis."