Operating Summary
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· Strong results relative to subdued prior year |
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· Net trading revenue1 up 8% at £182.7 million |
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· Profit before tax up 17% to £95.1 million, driven by higher revenue and prior year one-off operating costs |
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· Diluted EPS up 22% at 19.63p, assisted by lower tax rate |
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· £79.1 million of own funds generated from operations |
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· Interim dividend of 5.75p per share, flat on prior year |
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· Good progress on strategic initiatives |
Tim Howkins, Chief Executive, commented:
"The performance in the first half was satisfactory, with revenue, profit and cash generation all well ahead of what was a particularly subdued prior half year. Importantly, we continue to make good progress in executing on our strategy aimed at attracting and retaining active traders, broadening our offering and product set and developing the business globally. I believe the investment over the next few years in a number of exciting and key long-term initiatives will help us to deliver good levels of growth into the future."
