Bridgestone NZ pays first dividend since 2007

Bridgestone New Zealand has reported making the most profit in a decade last year and has paid its first dividend since 2007. Net profit leapt from NZ$1.9 million in 2011 to $10.2 million (£5.2 million) last year. Sales rose 3.5 per cent to $218.5 million (£110.7 million).

The subsidiary’s board declared a dividend of $10.5 million (£5.3 million), the first return since 2007 when it paid about $64,000, and the largest since 2004 when it paid a $13.7 million dividend and $2.4 million supplementary dividend.