Lloyds floats idea of special dividends as profits jump

Lloyds has announced an interim dividend payment of 0.75p per share in its half year results, but the banking giant said it would also consider special dividends in the future.

The interim payout (which will be made on 28 September) was in line with analysts' expectations and follows the previous 0.75p dividend paid in May, marking the group's return to the dividend register. It had previously not paid a dividend since 2008. Lloyds said it expected to increase dividends over the medium term to be paying out at least 50% of sustainable earnings, as well as consider one-off payments and share buybacks. It said: "Going forward, the Board will give due consideration, subject to the circumstances at the time, to the distribution of surplus capital through the use...