Those invested in CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) shares officially have another dividend coming their way, and this one's a whopper.
The Biotechnology giant dropped its first-half earnings this morning, as The Motley Fool Australia reports.
Within them, it revealed a US$1.07 per share dividend – the largest interim dividend ever declared by the company.
The CSL share price is well and truly in the green right now, jumping 1.78% to trade at $310.43.
Here's everything investors need to know about the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) staple's upcoming offering.
CSL bolsters interim dividend
CSL investors, rejoice! The company revealed a US$1.07 per share interim dividend this morning – a 2.9% increase on that of the prior comparable period.
It came on the back of a US$1.6 billion net profit after tax (NPAT) – an 8% year-on-year fall, driven by currency headwinds and costs related to its acquisition of Vifor Pharma.
Meanwhile, CSL posted US$7.2 billion of total revenue for the period – a 19% improvement.
The upcoming dividend represents around 32% of the company's basic earnings per share (EPS) for the period, which came in at US$3.37 – marking a 12% year-on-year fall.
Investors eager for the upcoming payout might want to quell their excitement, however. CSL's interim dividend won't start hitting bank accounts until 5 April.
Leading up to that, the stock will trade ex-dividend on 9 March.
The official conversion rate to Australian Dollars will then be confirmed on 14 March. Right now, the company has pencilled in the payout to be worth around $1.55 Australian, according to its website.
The interim offering is unfranked, unlike CSL's most recent final dividend.
CSL also reiterated its financial year 2023 guidance this morning. It now expects to post US$2.7 billion to US$2.8 billion of net profit after tax and amortisation.
CSL share price snapshot
Today's gains included, the CSL share price has lifted 10% year to date. That's compared to the ASX 200's 7% year to date rise.
The healthcare stock is also currently 27% higher than it was this time last year, while the index has gained 3%.
