Pfizer, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, has declared a quarterly dividend of GBP 0.33 per share for the third quarter. This represents a 23% increase from the same period last year, when the dividend was GBP 0.27 per share.
The announcement comes as Pfizer continues to report strong financial performance, driven by the success of its COVID-19 vaccine and other key products. The company's revenue for the second quarter was up 45% year-on-year, with net income increasing by 62%.
The dividend announcement is likely to be welcomed by investors, who have seen the company's share price rise by over 20% in the past year. However, it may also prompt concerns about the sustainability of the dividend payout, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company's future earnings.
The Bank of England has been monitoring the impact of the pandemic on the UK's economy, and has taken steps to support businesses and households affected by the crisis. The central bank has also kept interest rates low to help stimulate economic growth, which may have contributed to the increase in dividend payouts by companies like Pfizer.