Booker increases 2013 full year dividend by 22% and returns capital

DividendMax Ltd.

Booker increases 2013 full year dividend by 22% and returns capital

Financial Highlights

Total sales £4.7bn, +17.3%

Booker like-for-like sales (excluding Makro) +2.1%. Non tobacco sales up 4.4% and tobacco sales down 1.7%

Operating profit (pre £3.4m net exceptional credit related to Makro acquisition) +23% to £120.4m

Operating profit (post exceptionals) £123.8m, +30%

Profit before tax (pre exceptionals) £118.7m, +25%

Profit after tax (post exceptionals) £105.2m, +38%

Basic earnings per share up 1.55 pence to 6.06 pence

Net cash improved to £149.6m (2013: £77.2m)

Total dividend of 3.20 pence per share, up 22%

Proposed return of capital of 3.50 pence per share

Operational Highlights

Our plan to Focus, Drive and Broaden Booker Group continues to make progress

Our best ever customer satisfaction at Booker and Makro

Makro turnaround is on track, having delivered £26m of synergies

Internet sales up 10% to £777m

Booker Direct, Ritter Courivaud, Classic and Chef Direct continue to make good progress

We now have six branches in India, having opened two branches in the year

Companies mentioned