27 July 2018 – trading update
The group has released a trading update covering the three months to 30 June which has confirmed that it is making good progress over most of its areas of operation. Adjusted pre-tax profit for the period was 3% higher at £816m. Investors wishing to receive the next dividend of 10.55p will do so if they buy the shares before they go ex-dividend on 9 August. We maintain our recommendation of BUY.