Rotork is a strong cash generator, recognises the importance of a growing dividend to its shareholders, and is committed to a progressive dividend policy, subject to satisfying cash requirements which can vary significantly from year to year. This year the Board recommends a final dividend of 3.9p per share, an increase of 5.4% from the 2018 final dividend. With the 2019 interim dividend of 2.3p, the total dividend for the year is 6.2p (2018: 5.9p), a 5.1% increase on 2018. This is equivalent to 2.1 times cover based on adjusted earnings per share (2018: 2.1 times). The final dividend will be payable on 22nd May 2020 to shareholders on the register on 14th April 2020.
Other financial highlights include:
Margin improvement ahead of expectations with adjusted operating margin up 160bps to 22.6%, benefiting from Growth Acceleration Programme savings and mix
Order intake was ahead year-on-year on an OCC basis in the full year and in H2
Strong 131% cash conversion driven by working capital management. Net cash £106m
Revenues were lower year-on-year reflecting reduced large project activity, product and portfolio rationalisation and the loss of sales to sanctioned countries
ROCE increased 260bps to 31.8%
