Dividend cover

Dividend cover measures the number of times greater the net profits available for distribution are than the dividend payout.

Companies pay dividends to shareholders out of their profits. Directors decide what proportion of profits they will distribute: the amount varies depending on how well the company has done.

When assessing the financial health of a company, looking at 'dividend cover' can offer a guide as to how likely it is that the dividend will remain stable or rise in the future. It measures the number of times greater the net profits available for distribution are than the dividend payout.

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