A company that is making a profit often keeps a portion of its earnings to reinvest in the future of its business. The remaining profits will normally be given back to the owners of the company, its shareholders, as a dividend payment.
Sharesave participants hold options over shares in Barclays Bank plc, therefore, they are not eligible to receive dividends until after they have chosen to exercise their options to buy shares and have become shareholders.
UK Sharepurchase participants are normally eligible to receive any dividends paid on the shares held by the UK Sharepurchase Trustee on their behalf. The UK Sharepurchase Trustee will automatically use the funds to reinvest in more Barclays Shares. These are known under the plan as Dividend Shares (see Dividend Shares).