Interim dividend increased 17% to 20.1 pence per share (H1 2018: 17.2 pence per share), in line with stated dividend policy
Other financial highlights include:
Total Revenue up 7% to £1,018 million (H1 2018: £953 million); total income up 8% to £1,140 million (H1 2018: £1,060 million)
FTSE Russell revenue up 9% to £315 million (H1 2018: £290 million) with growth in subscription and asset-based revenues
Post Trade revenue at LCH up 12% to £266 million (H1 2018: £237 million), driven by strong growth in OTC volumes notably in the SwapClear service
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortisation, were flat and 2% down on a constant currency basis, with good cost control while continuing to invest
Adjusted operating profit1 up 11% to £533 million (H1 2018: £480 million); operating profit was up 2% at £399 million (H1 2018: £393 million); profit before tax up 1% to £363 million (H1 2018: £360 million); profit after tax of £265 million (H1 2018: £283 million)
Adjusted EPS1 up 13% to 100.6 pence (H1 2018: 88.7 pence); basic EPS down 1% at 70.7 pence (H1 2018: 71.1 pence)
Strong balance sheet position with leverage at 1.7 times adjusted net debt: pro forma EBITDA notwithstanding continued investment spend during the period
