ADMIRAL GROUP PLC Admiral’s priorities throughout this challenging period have been to support and protect customers, staff and the long-term value of the Group. All the Group’s businesses are operational with staff working remotely.
Amendment to 2019 final dividend proposal
In light of the regulatory guidance to insurers urging restraint on the payments of dividends due to the uncertainty of the current economic environment, the Board has decided to amend its recommendation in relation to the final dividend for the year ended
After careful consideration, the Board is recommending an unchanged normal dividend of 56.3p per ordinary share (payable on
Resolution 3 as set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company will be amended at the AGM to reflect the updated Board recommendation. All votes that have already been cast for or against Resolution 3 as set out in the Notice of AGM shall count towards the amended Resolution 3.
The Group has significant liquidity and a strong solvency position, well above its target level and regulatory thresholds. Robust stress tests against the Company's financial position support the payment of the previously announced final dividend in full under normal circumstances. However, the Board is mindful of the call for heightened prudence from its regulators and has concluded that suspending the payment of the special dividend is appropriate at this time.
An update will be provided when the Company reports its interim results in
Supporting customers, staff and the community
The Board’s decision in relation to the final dividend is being taken in the context of a broader package of measures announced by Admiral on 21 April which aim to provide support to customers, staff and Admiral’s communities during this unprecedented time. These include:
- Premium rebates worth £110 million to car and van insurance customers in recognition of customers staying at home and driving less during lockdown
- Committing an additional £80 million to reducing prices and supporting customers,
NHS staff and the local community - Supporting customers who are in financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. This includes flexibility with customers struggling with monthly payments for insurance and personal loans
- All employees are being paid their full salary at this time and no staff are being furloughed under the
UK Government funded scheme. Admiral does not expect to require support from any other initiatives funded by the Government - A £4 million
Admiral Support Fund for Covid-19 , which is predominantly providing funding and support inSouth Wales , where Admiral is based, to theNHS , charities, support groups and will also allow the Group to contribute to any insurance industry wide charitable effort
“We find ourselves in extraordinary circumstances, and it has been a very difficult decision to suspend the special dividend as we are aware of the importance and impact to our shareholders and staff. However, the Board and I believe that this is the prudent and right thing to do at this time. We thank our customers, staff and shareholders for their continued support, and we remain committed to making decisions that are in their best interests in the long term.”
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014.
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For more information, please contact:
Marisja Kocznur +44 (0) 29 2060 2034
Investors & Analysts
FTI Consulting
Edward Berry +44 (0) 20 3727 1046
Tom Blackwell +44 (0) 20 3727 1051
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