Exec: Russia’s MTS intends to keep divs payments steady

MOSCOW, Mar 21 (PRIME) -- Russian mobile operator MTS aims at keeping dividend payments at a stable level, Vice President Alexei Kornya told reporters Monday.

The board of directors will study a new dividend policy in April.

“Our view on the dividend policy will be voiced upon results of (a meeting) of the board of directors. For us, it’s of key importance to keep the rate of return for shareholders at the same level (as earlier), as a crucial part of our value and capitalization,” Kornya said.

MTS paid its shareholders 52 billion rubles in 2015; 51.2 billion rubles in 2014; and 41 billion rubles in 2013.

Multi-industry holding Sistema owns 51.46% in MTS’s capital, while 44.79% are in free float.

(68.4026 rubles – U.S. $1)

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