Analysts began to wonder whether it could keep paying its substantial yearly dividend of $2.85 a share.

Mr. Walsh, who is president and chief executive, preserved another $200 million by ordering the yearly dividend sliced in half.

He predicted that Philip Morris's hefty yearly dividend will be raised to $4.80 from $4.

If it succeeds, the villagers will not only have their pub back, but stand to receive a modest yearly dividend.

Another possibility, analysts say, would be a one-time payment in addition to the yearly dividend.

The yearly dividend would be increased to $1.85 a share from the current rate of $1.56 a share.

The Boston Celtics used to pay their fans yearly dividends.

The utility's current yearly dividend is $1.56 a share.

The company also said it would slash its yearly dividend in half, to $1.60 a share, saving $200 million a year.

It will be the first time since March 1968 that the company has not paid a yearly dividend.