The Cranswick interim dividend is being increased by 12.0% to 18.7 pence per share from 16.7 pence per share previously. The dividend will be paid on 29 January 2021 to Shareholders on the register at the close of business on 18 December 2020. Shareholders will again have the option to receive the dividend by way of a scrip issue.
Other financial highlights include:
Statutory profit before tax 13.3% higher at £53.7m (2019: £47.4m)
Statutory earnings per share up 11.9% to 81.9p (2019: 73.2p)
Return on capital employed 66bps higher at 16.6% (2019: 15.9%)
Net debt (excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities) of £54.6m (2019: £67.2m and March 2020: £81.0m)
Robust balance sheet with £200m of bank facilities providing over £145m of headroom
