Financials to yield rich dividends

Investors with shares in financial stocks will see good growth in dividend income this year. AIB shareholders will be paid a final dividend of 24.25 cents a share on April 26th next. This, together with the interim dividend of 13.5 cents, bring AIB's total dividend payment to 38.75 cents per share, and increase of 15 per cent. First Active shareholders will be paid a dividend of 11.75 cents per share, an increase of 12 per cent on 1999. The final dividend will be paid on June 8th. The bank has also announced that its share buy-back programme will continue this year. The programme will improve the liquidity of First Active shares and will make it easier for shareholders who want to sell their shares to complete that transaction. Meanwhile, former Norwich Union shareholders who now hold shares in the UK-based CGNU group will be paid a dividend of 29.67 pence per share. This will be paid on May 17th 2001. Irish shareholders are also offered the opportunity to participate in the group's dividend reinvestment plan, which allows them to have their dividends re-invested in CGNU shares at reduced dealing costs.

Shareholders who wish to take this up should contact the group's registrars, Lloyds TSB in London.