AECI Limited (87FZ), the South Africa-incorporated chemicals and explosives group listed on multiple markets, has declared its 177th cumulative preference share dividend, announcing a gross cash payment at a rate of 5.5 per cent per annum equivalent to 2.75 pence sterling per share. The board made the declaration on 13 November 2026, covering the six-month period ending 11 December 2026. The dividend is payable on 15 December 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on the record date, and follows a structured dual-jurisdiction payment framework covering both South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Key Points

  • AECI Limited (87FZ), incorporated in the Republic of South Africa, with ordinary share code AFE and hybrid code AFEP
  • Cumulative 5.5% preference share dividend No. 177 declared at 2.75 pence sterling gross per share for the six months ending 11 December 2026
  • Payment date is 15 December 2026; last day to trade cum dividend is 8 December 2026; ex-dividend trading commences 9 December 2026
  • Investors should note the South African dividend withholding tax rate of 20% and the deadline of 8 December 2026 for exemption or reduction applications

AECI's 177th Preference Dividend Declared at 2.75 Pence Sterling Per Share

The board of AECI Limited, meeting on 13 November 2026, declared the gross cash dividend at the rate of 5.5 per cent per annum, equivalent to 2.75 pence sterling, for the six-month period ending 11 December 2026. The company's issued share capital at the declaration date comprised 105,517,780 listed ordinary shares and 3,000,000 listed cumulative preference shares. The announcement states the dividend has been declared from the income reserves of the company and has not been treated as a reduction in AECI's contributed tax capital, a distinction with potential tax implications for preference shareholders in both jurisdictions.

Dual-Jurisdiction Payment Structure: South African Rand and UK Sterling Settlement

AECI's dividend will be settled through transfer secretaries operating in both South Africa and the United Kingdom, reflecting the company's dual-market listing structure. For shareholders paid from South Africa, the gross dividend converts to 60.89960 ZAR cents per preference share, calculated using the ruling exchange rate of 1 pound sterling to ZAR 22.14531, as recorded on 12 November 2026. UK-based payments will be subject to applicable United Kingdom legislative tax deductions unless a valid exemption certificate is received before 8 December 2026. Computershare Investor Services handles transfer secretarial functions in both countries.

South African Withholding Tax at 20% Reduces Net Payment to 48.71968 ZAR Cents Per Share

A South African dividend withholding tax rate of 20% applies to all preference shareholders who are neither exempt nor entitled to a reduced rate under a relevant Double Taxation Agreement. After this deduction, the net dividend payable to ineligible shareholders amounts to 48.71968 ZAR cents per preference share, as stated in the announcement. Shareholders seeking exemption or reduction must submit application forms to Computershare Investor Services on +27 11 370 5000 or via email, with completed forms required no later than 8 December 2026. Preference shares may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between 9 December and 11 December 2026 inclusive.

Key Dates AECI Preference Shareholders Must Observe Before the 15 December 2026 Payment

AECI preference shareholders face a series of administrative deadlines ahead of the 15 December 2026 payment date. The last day to trade cum dividend is 8 December 2026, after which shares trade ex dividend from the opening of trade on 9 December 2026. The record date for receipt of the dividend is 11 December 2026. Any changes to shareholder addresses or dividend payment instructions must also be received by 8 December 2026. Investors holding preference shares across both South African and UK registers should ensure their tax documentation is in order well ahead of these deadlines to avoid default withholding deductions.