22 November 2011 – half-yearly report
Interim results for the six months to 30 September have seen group pre-tax profits rise to £108.8m (2010: £105.1m), with earnings per share increasing to 21.6p (2010: 17.2p). The interim dividend has been maintained at 6p. These are clearly solid results and with the group’s solid balance sheet, boasting unutilised debt facilities of £615m there is clearly scope for further growth. The continued retreat of traditional lenders from the credit market is providing the group with consideable opportunities to provide finance and the shares remain a BUY.