Financial results
The information presented here relates to the 52 weeks to 27 December 2014 and the 52 weeks to 28 December 2013 , unless otherwise stated.
Howden Joinery UK depot revenue increased by 14.3% to £1,075.5m (up 10.8% on same depot basis). Group revenue was £1,090.8m (2013: £956.5m);
Gross profit margin was 63.7% (2013: 61.7%);
Operating profit rose from £140.7m to £189.8m;
Profit before tax increased to £188.8m (2013: £135.0m), the net interest charge falling by £4.7m (due to a decrease in the pensions finance expense);
Basic earnings per share items increased from 15.9p to 23.2p;
Net cash of £217.7m at year-end (28 December 2013: £140.5m net cash);
Final dividend of 6.5p recommended, giving full year dividend of 8.4p per share (2013: 5.5p);
£70m to be returned to shareholders, through a share repurchase programme.
