Consistent with the policy of growing dividends in line with the increase in Underlying EPS, the Rightmove PLC Directors are recommending an interim dividend of [3.0p] per ordinary share, which will be paid on 29 October 2021 to all shareholders on the register at 1 October 2021.
Other financial highlights include:
Revenue up 58% on 2020, reflecting the growth in customer spending and ARPA over the first six months of 2021. Revenue is up £6m/4% on 2019, due to growth in Agency and Other revenues, partially offset by a decline in New Homes revenues
Operating profit of £114.9m, up 86% on 2020 (2020: £61.7m) and 6% on 2019 (£108.2m)
Underlying operating profit of £117.1m, up 91% on 2020 (2020: £61.4m) and 5% on 2019 (£111.0m)
Basic earnings per share up 89% to 10.8p (2020: 5.7p), underlying earnings per share 11.0p (2020: 5.7p). Compared to 2019, basic earnings per share up 9% from 9.9p, underlying earnings per share up 8% from 10.2p
£128.3m of cash returned to shareholders through share buybacks
Cash at the end of the period of £67.7m (31 December 2020: £96.7m)
