Cineworld CINE found 2017 to be not only exciting but also the most momentous since its foundation in 1995 as it once again produced record results and took the first steps towards turning itself into the second largest cinema chain in the world with the acquisition of Regal entertainment Group for $3.4bn. This was a transformational acquisition, now completed, which gave it a total of over 9,500 screens. Profit before tax rose by 22.7% and basic earnings per share by 18.7% enabling the full year cash dividend to be increased by 14.5% plus a final rights adjusted dividend of 3.1p er share.
Savills plc SVS delivered a strong and improved performance in 2017 and is raising dividends for the year by a total of 4% to to 30.2p per share. Group revenue rose by 11% and on a statutory basis profit before tax increased by 13% and basic earnings per share by 20%. The strength is attributed to the resilience of the residential market, geographical diversity and strength in key commercial markets.
Kier Group KIE is increasing its interim dividend for the six months to the 31sr December by 2% after an 8% rise in revenue, 3% in basic earnings per share and 4% in profit before tax. The good performance is claimed to reflect the strength of the business model coupled with financial and operational discipline. Double digit profit growth is expected for 2018.
PZ Cussons PZC Following January’s announcement that first half trading performance in the UK and Nigeria had been constrained, things have not improved and a warning has had to be issued that full year profit will now fall short of expectations and profit before tax will be in the region of 80 to 85 million pounds. Despite the continuation of low consumer confidence and high competition in most of the company’s markets, a return to profitable growth is forecast for the following year.
Portmeirion Group PMP produced its ninth consecutive year of record group revenue in the year to 31st December and is celebrating with an increase of 7.5% in full year dividends. Profit before tax rose by 13%, basic earnings per share by by 9.2% and revenue. by 10.6%. The success is attributed to strong growth and diversification in export markets.
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