Analysts forecast YUKOS dividends

The volume of cash at the YUKOS Oil Company in the first quarter of 2003 is about $5bm, Aton analysts noted. It provides the company with sufficient insurance against a further fall in oil prices. YUKOS is the leader in corporate governance; this is why analysts believe that the company could pay high dividends.

Since 2002 when YUKOS declared a new dividend policy, the company has been increasing its dividends. Using the extrapolation method, analysts believe that investors could expect $1bn in 2002 dividend payments, which is $0.46 per share. Dividend yield will respectively be 4.8 percent, recent market corrections taken into account. The YUKOS Board of Directors is to meet in the near two weeks to determine 2002 dividends.