The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA) has declared an interim dividend of HK$0.46 per ordinary share for the six months ended 30 June 2026. Shareholders recorded on 8 September 2026 may elect to receive the dividend in cash, new shares, or a combination of both under the newly announced Scrip Dividend Scheme.

The conversion price for the scrip alternative has been fixed at HK$18.42 per share, representing the average closing price on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange from 2 to 8 September 2026, the ex-dividend period. Accordingly, every share elected for scrip will translate into 0.02497 new shares, with fractional entitlements refunded in cash.

Dividend warrants and share certificates are scheduled for dispatch on or about 13 October 2026, the same date dealings in the new shares are expected to commence. The scrip shares will not rank for the 2026 interim dividend but will otherwise carry identical rights to existing shares.

Shareholders wishing to participate must submit the Form of Election to Tricor Investor Services Limited by 4:00 p.m. on 5 October 2026. The scheme is conditional upon the Hong Kong Stock Exchange granting listing approval for the new shares.

BEA highlighted that shareholders with registered addresses in New Zealand or the United States are excluded from the offer due to local regulatory requirements and will receive the dividend entirely in cash.

The bank noted that electing for scrip enables investors to increase their holdings without incurring brokerage, stamp duty, or related dealing costs, while allowing BEA to retain cash for working capital purposes.