France Telecom, now known as Orange, is one of the oldest companies in the telecommunications industry. It was founded in 1879 as the Compagnie Générale des Téléphones, and it has been a leader in the industry ever since. France Telecom has been paying out dividends since the late 1800s, and it has continued to do so ever since. In this article, we will take a look at the dividend history of France Telecom and discuss how it has evolved over the years.
Early Dividends
When France Telecom was first founded, it paid out small dividends to its shareholders. These dividends were paid on an annual basis and were typically quite small. As the company grew, so did its dividend payments. By the early 1900s, France Telecom's dividend payments were more substantial and were being paid out on a quarterly basis. This trend continued until the late 1920s, when the company began to reduce its dividend payments.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression had a major impact on France Telecom's dividend payments. As the company struggled to keep its business operating, it was forced to reduce its dividend payments in order to maintain its financial stability. This trend continued until the late 1940s, when the company started to slowly increase its dividend payments again. By the 1950s, the company had resumed its pre-Depression dividend payments.
Recent Dividend History
Since the 1950s, France Telecom has been paying out regular dividends to its shareholders. The company has increased its dividend payments several times over the years, and currently pays out an annual dividend of €0.35 per share. This dividend is paid out in two equal payments, typically in the first and third quarters of the year.
Conclusion
France Telecom has a long history of paying out dividends to its shareholders. The company has paid out dividends since the 19th century, and it has continued to do so ever since. The company has increased its dividend payments several times over the years, and currently pays out an annual dividend of €0.35 per share. France Telecom's dividend history has been a testament to the company's ongoing commitment to its shareholders.