BUZZ-View from the buyside: Lloyds a strong divi play-OMGI

** Scope for divi ramp-up from Lloyds Banking Group , which recently announced its first payout since being bailed out during the financial crisis, says Stephen Message, manager of Old Mutual Global Investors' UK Equity Income Fund

** Message reckons Lloyds -- which said (end Feb) it is to pay 0.75p divi for 2014 financial yr after reporting rise in profits & improvements in capital strength -- will have c.6/7 pct divi yield in few yrs

** Good news for income funds, in particular, which have been looking beyond divi stalwarts where in some cases payouts look vulnerable or stocks (such as bond proxies) appear richly valued

** c.43 pct of Message's portfolio made up of financials (one of largest exposures to financials in income sector); over time Message reckons US Treasury yields will rise & bond proxy stocks will sell off

** Lloyds & Barclays each comprise 3.5 pct of Message's portfolio, with HSBC c.4 pct (RM (LSE: RM.L - news) : tricia.wright1.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)