HSBC Holdings Regulatory News (HSBA)

19 Dec 2006 15:30

HSBC Holdings PLC19 December 2006 The following is a translation of a news release issued by The Saudi BritishBank, a 40 per cent indirectly-held associate of HSBC Holdings plc. THE SAUDI BRITISH BANK RECOMMENDS TOTAL NET DIVIDENDOF SAR3.75 PER SHARE FOR YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2006 The Board of Directors of The Saudi British Bank (SABB) has recommended a finalnet dividend of SAR2.25 (US$0.60) per share for the second half of 2006. Thisfollows the payment earlier in 2006 of an interim dividend of SAR1.5 (US$0.40)net per share. The final net dividend of SAR2.25 per share will be distributed to shareholdersfollowing approval of the regulatory authorities and of SABB shareholders at thebank's Annual General Meeting. SABB's total gross dividend for the year ending 31 December 2006 will amount toSAR1,500 million (US$400 million). This represents an 85 per cent increase overcash dividend distribution for the year ended 31 December 2005. The increase in dividend reflects the bank's strong financial performance andits continuous efforts towards improving returns for its shareholders. Note to editors: The HSBC GroupThe Saudi British Bank is a 40 per cent, indirectly-held associate of HSBCHoldings plc, and a member of the HSBC Group. Serving over 125 million customersworldwide, the HSBC Group has over 9,500 offices in 81 countries and territoriesin Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.With assets of US$1,738 billion at 30 June 2006, HSBC is one of the world'slargest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwideas 'the world's local bank'. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange