NZME pays smaller dividend than expected as earnings sink, reviewing policy

NZME pays smaller dividend than expected as earnings sink, reviewing policy
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Aug. 23 (BusinessDesk) - NZME will pay a smaller interim dividend than analysts expected as first-half earnings almost halved on declining print revenue and as weak business confidence dented radio agency advertising.  The Auckland-based media group will pay an interim dividend of 2 cents per share on Oct. 26 with an Oct. 16 record, down from 3.5 cents a year earlier. First NZ Capital had predicted a dividend of 3 cents and Forsyth Barr forecast a 2.8 cents per share payment.  NZME chair Peter Cullinane and chief executi...