Business highlights
- Adjusted earnings per share* of 10.1p (2010: 12.2p)
- In line with market expectations
- First half earnings reflect loss at East Midlands Trains, expected to return to profitability in second half
- Interim dividend up 9.1% to 2.4p
- Completion of return of c.£340m in cash to shareholders
- Strong organic growth across the Group's bus and rail businesses
- UK Bus regions: strong growth in commercial revenue offset reductions in concessionary and tender revenue
- UK Bus London: turnaround plan on track
- UK Rail: commuter and inter-city revenue growth underpinned by operational delivery and customer satisfaction
- North America: further expansion of megabus.com budget coach service
- Virgin Rail Group: growing business and leisure travel; eight-month franchise extension to December 2012; shortlisted for new Inter-city West Coast rail franchise
- Good start to second half of year and positive outlook for the Group's greener, smarter public transport services
