Stagecoach increases its 2017 interim dividend by 8.6%

Earnings per share in line with expectations, investing for growth

·      Adjusted earnings per share 14.4 pence (H1 2016: 17.0 pence)

·      Interim dividend per share up 8.6% to 3.8 pence (H1 2016: 3.5 pence)

·      Profit before tax £89.5m (H1 2016: £90.8m)

·      Further investment in new vehicles and technology

o  net capital expenditure £125.5m (H1 2016: £83.9m)

·      Bid for new South Western rail franchise submitted, current franchise extended to August 2017

·      Our expectation of 2016/17 adjusted earnings per share broadly unchanged