David Levin, UBM's Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"2011 has been a strong year for UBM, with EPS up over 13% to a record 56.8p.
An outstanding performance from our Q4 biennial events capped off a year of
consistent delivery in which all our businesses met or exceeded their targets
for the year. On the back of these results, the Board has declared a final
dividend of 20p, up 1p over 2010, resulting in a record dividend for the year.
These results are the fruit of our consistent strategy to focus on providing
marketing, communications and data services, in winning formats, to thriving
business communities. Our Emerging Markets revenues grew by more than 24%
during 2011 and contributed just under a third of our overall profits: in 2011
we generated more revenue in China than in Europe for the first time. Our
Events business performed particularly well and 1.7 million people attended
UBM events in 2011, up from 1.3 million in 2010 with profits growing by 45%.
The solid performance of Data Services and PR Newswire in 2011 reflects the
initial benefits of our continuing investment in these businesses. Our
Marketing Services businesses also continue to develop well, with the combined
effects of continuing strong digital growth and print disposals likely to
result in online revenues outstripping print revenues in 2012.
2012 trading has started well. We anticipate continued underlying growth and a
positive performance across the business whilst recognising the continuing
uncertainties of the global economy."
