HALMA plc PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE 52 WEEKS TO 31 MARCH 2012
Record results and continued dividend growth
Halma, the leading safety, health and environmental technology group, today announces its preliminary results for the 52 weeks to 31 March 2012.
Highlights include:
- Pre-tax profitfrom continuing operations up 15% to £120.5m (2011: £104.6m) on revenue up 12%
- at £579.9m (2011: £518.4m).
- Organic growth at constant currency: Profit up 5%, Revenue up 6%.
- High and increased level of returns achieved, Return on Sales(3) of 20.8% (2011: 20.2%), Return on Total Invested Capital(2) of 16.8% (2011: 15.5%) and Return on Capital Employed of 74.7% (2011: 71.9%
- Strong revenue growth in developed regions, with UK up 18%, Europe up 12% and US up 8%. Revenue from markets in the rest of the world up 11% including 25% growth in China.
- All three sectors reported increased revenue and profit, with particularly strong performances in
- Health and Analysis and Industrial Safety.
- Adjusted earnings per share(4) from continuing operations up 19% to 24.46p (2011: 20.49p). Statutory earnings per share up 20% to 23.01p (2011: 19.23p).
- A final dividend of 5.95p per share, making a record total dividend of 9.74p per share for the year. The increase of 7% marks the 33rd consecutive year of dividend increases of 5% or more.
- Two acquisitions and one disposal completed during the year with three further acquisitions completed since the year end.
- Good cash generation resulting in year-end net debt of £18.7m (2011: £37.1m). Strong balance sheet with borrowing facilities of £260m in place until 2016 providing significant financial capacity for further organic growth and value adding acquisitions.
Andrew Williams, Chief Executive of Halma, commented:
"Our focus on safety, health and environmental technology is continuing to provide opportunities for growth in both developed and developing regions. The combination of strong local operational management and active portfolio management ensures that we are able to deliver short-term financial performance and invest for growth in the longer term. These qualities are reflected in this year's performance and in Halma's track record of growth and high returns over a long period. We expect to continue to make progress in the year ahead."
