AIB dividends set to rise by 12%

AIB SHAREHOLDERS should see dividends increase by 12% when the company announces its results for the year ending December 31 2002, stockbrokers Dolmen Securities predict.

However, the biggest event of 2002 for AIB was in February, when it uncovered the activities of rogue trader John Rusnak, who cost AIB 789m in fraudulent deals.

Dolmen expects profit before tax to hit 1,420 million, up 4%, earnings per share 1.20 and dividends to hit 49c up 12%.