Dividend declaration
The moment a payment stops being an intention and becomes the company's obligation to its shareholders.
How to read the number
Before it there is a board recommendation and market expectation; after it there is a liability recognised in the accounts and payable within a set period.
When the metric lies
Reports of plans to pay are not a declaration. The obligation arises from a shareholder resolution, not from an interview given by a company representative.
Also known as: declaration date