Financial results (continuing operations)
The information presented here relates to the 24 weeks to 13 June 2015 and the 24 weeks to 14 June 2014, unless otherwise stated.
Howden Joinery UK depot revenue increased by 11.1% to £475.8m (up 8.6% on a same depot basis). Group revenue was £482.6m (2014: £435.4m);
Gross profit margin was 63.7% (2014: 63.2%), reflecting the benefit of exchange rate movements;
Operating profit rose to £60.9m (2014: £57.6m);
Profit before tax increased to £59.2m (2014: £57.2m), the net interest charge rising by £1.3m (due to an increase in the pensions finance charge);
Basic earnings per share increased to 7.1p (2014: 6.6p);
Share buyback programme underway (£4.1m spent so far);
Net cash of £223.3m at 13 June 2015 (27 December 2014: £217.7m net cash,
14 June 2014: £161.1m net cash);
Interim dividend of 2.8p per share declared (2014: 1.9p).
