Total revenue has risen by 26.9% to £2,240.7 million (2015 - £1,765.4 million) as a result of the number of homes sold rising by 12.5% to 8,721 (2015 - 7,752), a new record and the Group's seventh successive year of volume growth, together with a further rise of 12.9% in the average selling price to £252,793 (2015 - £223,821).
The strong trading performance has resulted in an operating margin of 22.0% (2015 - 20.4%1). This has contributed to earnings per share ('EPS') rising by 42.0% to 328.7p (2015 - 231.5p) and the net asset value per ordinary share ('NAV') has increased by 18.4% to 1,522p (2015 - 1,286p).
The proposed total dividend per share has risen by 40.3% to 108.0p (2015 - 77.0p).
A disciplined approach towards investment has resulted in return on capital employed rising by 430 bps to 28.2%2 (2015 - 23.9%1,2).
Further controlled investment to deliver ongoing growth, with 9,555 new plots contracted in the year (2015 - 9,128 plots) on excellent land opportunities and 6 new operating divisions opened since 1 August 2013.
Strong balance sheet with net cash of £26.5 million (2015 - net bank debt of £38.5 million).
