Key information relating to the cash dividend to be paid by Golar LNG Limited

Rhea-AI Summary

Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) announces a dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on March 20, 2024, with specific details for shares registered in Norway's central securities depository.

Financial Analyst

The declaration of a $0.25 per share dividend by Golar LNG Limited represents a tangible return on investment for shareholders and signals the company's financial health and confidence in its cash flow stability. This dividend payout could potentially attract income-focused investors, enhancing the stock's appeal as a viable income-generating asset. Additionally, the timing and consistency of dividend payments are crucial factors that investors monitor as they can reflect a company's operational performance and strategic priorities.

It is essential to consider the dividend yield, which is calculated by dividing the annual dividends per share by the stock's current price. A yield that is too high may indicate that the market perceives the company as risky, while a yield that is too low might suggest that the stock is overvalued or that the company is retaining more earnings for growth. In the context of Golar's industry, the natural gas sector, dividends can also be influenced by volatile commodity prices and sector-specific challenges such as regulatory changes, supply-demand imbalances and geopolitical tensions.

Market Research Analyst

The implementation of the Central Securities Depository Regulation (CSDR) impacts Golar's payment process for shares registered in Norway, indicating an adherence to new regulatory standards that could affect transaction efficiency and investor experience. The CSDR aims to harmonize the settlement of securities across European markets, potentially reducing systemic risks and increasing legal certainty for cross-border transactions. For Golar, compliance with such regulations may enhance its reputation and investor confidence, particularly among European investors.

Furthermore, the currency in which dividends are declared (USD) and paid out (NOK for VPS-registered shares) introduces a foreign exchange component to the dividend receipt. This could have implications for investors' actual returns, as currency fluctuations could either erode or amplify the received dividend value when converted back to investors' local currency. This is a critical consideration for international investors and could influence their investment strategy regarding Golar's stock.

Economist

The ex-date and record date are important for investors to understand as they determine eligibility for receiving the dividend. The ex-date, typically set one business day before the record date, is the first date on which new buyers of the stock will not receive the declared dividend. This can have implications for the stock's price as investors might buy or sell shares based on their dividend eligibility status. Moreover, the stock price often drops by approximately the dividend amount on the ex-date, reflecting the payout's reduction in the company's assets.

From a broader economic perspective, dividend distributions can influence market liquidity and investor behavior, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Consistent dividend-paying companies like Golar can be seen as more stable investments, potentially attracting a different investor profile compared to growth-oriented stocks. In the long run, the ability of companies to maintain or grow dividends can be indicative of their resilience to economic cycles and their capacity to generate sustainable earnings.

Reference is made to the fourth quarter 2023 report released on February 29, 2024. Golar LNG Limited (“Golar”), NASDAQ ticker: GLNG, has declared a total dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on or around March 20, 2024.  The record date will be March 12, 2024. 
Due to the implementation of the Central Securities Depository Regulation (“CSDR”), please note the information below on the payment date for the small number of Golar shares registered in Norway’s central securities depository (“VPS”):

• Dividend amount: $0.25 per share
• Declared currency: USD. Dividends payable to shares registered in the VPS will be distributed in NOK
• Last day including right: March 8, 2024
• Ex-date: March 11, 2024
• Record date: March 12, 2024
• Payment date: On or about March 20, 2024. Due to the implementation of CSDR in Norway, dividends payable to shares registered in the VPS will be distributed on or about March 22, 2024.

Golar LNG Limited
Hamilton, Bermuda
February 29, 2024

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

What is the dividend amount declared by Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)?

Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) has declared a dividend of $0.25 per share.

When is the payment date for the dividend by Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)?

The dividend payment date for Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) is on or around March 20, 2024.

What is the record date for the dividend by Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)?

The record date for the dividend by Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) is March 12, 2024.

How will dividends be distributed to shares registered in Norway's central securities depository for Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)?

Dividends payable to shares registered in Norway's central securities depository for Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) will be distributed in NOK.

What is the ex-date for the dividend by Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)?

The ex-date for the dividend by Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) is March 11, 2024.