8 March 2019 – final results
Solid results have been released for the year ended 31 December 2018. Revenue growth was 5.6% to £728.6m (2017: £690.2m). Headline operating profit increased 12% to £138.3m (£123.9m) and basic earnings per share increased to 54.2p (2017: 51.0p). A final dividend of 13.2p (2017: 12.1p), took the total to 19.0p (2017: 17.4p). In light of the strong balance sheet and year end net cash position, there will be a special dividend of 20.0p (2017: 25.0p). BUY.