Costain (COST) is raising its final dividend by 16% after strong trading in 2015 saw underlying operating profit also up by 16%. The year ended with a record order book, 11 % up on 2014 and over 90 of which are repeat orders. The share price fell back from its September peak of 395p to 320p but has already climbed back to 357p with the RSI still under 60.
Empresaria Group (EMR) is raising its final dividend by 43% after producing record profit before tax, up 30%, for the year to 30th December. Earnings per share were up by 24% and net debt was down by 26% The company sees exciting opportunities ahead which it is confident will produce profitable growth. The shares which peaked at 106p had fallen back to 78p but have risen over the past 3 weeks to to 86p and have have been marked up a further 10% this morning which looks like it may have been a bit optimistic.
Stagecoach Group (SGC) confirms that lower second half growth in its UK rail and bus businesses has continued whilst business in North America has benefited from new contracts.
James Fisher (FSJ) – Diversity has helped James Fisher offset the sharp decline in offshore oil activity and as a sign of confidence in the future the final dividend is being increased by 8%. Swift action was taken to reduce costs in offshore oil which helped to limit the fall in group profit before tax to 6% despite overall revenue being down by 16%. The strength of the specialist marine and other divisions saw them increase their operating profit by 25%