Dividends and Earnings per Share
The Board proposes paying a final dividend of 6.20p (2015: 5.90p) bringing the total dividend payable for the year to 7.40p (2015: 7.05p) per ordinary share, an increase of 5%. The proposed final dividend will be paid on 1 August 2016 to all shareholders on the register at 24 June 2016. We believe that this level of dividend strikes a fair balance for shareholders with appropriate capital retained to facilitate ongoing developments, particularly investment in the international Sports Fashion fascias, which will drive success for the Group, and increased benefits to shareholders, over the longer term.
The adjusted earnings per ordinary share before exceptional items have increased by 58% to 61.34p (2015: 38.89p).
The basic earnings per ordinary share have increased by 43% to 50.16p (2015: 35.17p).
