Headlam Group 2017 final results
Total revenue increased 2.0% to £707.8 million (2016: £693.6 million) despite weaker markets for the majority of the second half of the year
Like-for-like revenue growth in the UK and Continental Europe of 0.5% and 4.2% respectively (2016: UK 4.2%; Continental Europe 3.1%) represented a positive performance against a strong 2016 comparator
Gross margin improvement of 50 basis points to 31.1% (2016: 30.6%) achieved through a concerted focus on margin enhancement initiatives
Underlying profit before tax increased by 7.5% to £43.1 million (2016: £40.1 million)
Profit before tax increased by 6.7% to £40.7 million (2016: £38.2 million)
Basic earnings per share increased by 6.3% to 39.1 pence (2016: 36.8 pence)
Total ordinary dividend in respect of 2017 increased by 10.0% to 24.80 pence (2016: 22.55 pence)
Strong operating cash generation at 109.8% of underlying EBITDA (2016: 94.2%)
