26 July 2016 – interim results
The group has announced a strong set of results for the six months to 30 June with adjusted pre-tax profits rising by 17.6% to £148.9m (2015: £126.6m) with earnings per share on the same basis being 10.7% higher at 77.9p (2015: 70.4p). The interim dividend was raised 10.2% to 43.2p (2015: 39.2p). All three of the group’s businesses have reported excellent results with credit quality in all three being very sound and the group is fully funded through to May 2018 reflecting the group’s funding capacity and strong liquidity position. The second half has started well and we re-iterate our recommendation of BUY.