AXA AP delivers dividend ahead of improved results
AXA Asia Pacific shareholders have been told they will be paid an interim dividend of 9.25 cents per share, despite the extension of the exclusive negotiating period between National Australia Bank and AXA Asia Pacific's European parent, AXA SA.
AXA AP confirmed the interim dividend to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) today at the same time as giving a half-year results forecast indicating a strong increase over last year.
AXA AP said that it expected profit after tax before investment experience and non-recurring items would be around $285 million, compared to $267 million the previous year.
Looking specifically at Australia and New Zealand, the company said operating earnings were expected to be $110 million compared to $88.1 million for the previous period, reflecting growth across the business, higher average funds under management and improved financial protection claims experience.
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