Auto Trader Group have announced an interim dividend of 2.7p per share for the six months to September 2021 (September 2020: nil) has been declared by the Directors', totaling £25.7m (September 2020: £nil) based on the number of shares eligible for the distribution as at 30 September 2021. The interim dividend is payable on 28 January 2022 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 7 January 2022. No provision has been made for the interim dividend and there are no income tax consequences.
Other financial highlights include:
- Revenue of £215.4 million up 82% (H1 2021: £118.2 million), and up 15% on H1 2020 (£186.7 million). Trade revenue of £192.3 million up 92% (H1 2021: £100.2 million) and up 19% on H1 2020 (£161.8 million). In H1 2021, they provided free advertising to retailer customers in April and May 2020, as well as at a discounted rate in June 2020
- Operating profit of £151.7 million up 121% (H1 2021: £68.5 million) and up 15% on H1 2020 (£131.4 million). Operating profit margin increased to 70%, up from 58% in H1 2021, and was consistent with H1 2020
- Basic EPS of 12.63p up 126% (H1 2021: 5.58p) and up 13% on H1 2020 (11.13p)
- Cash generated from operations up 157% to £169.9 million (H1 2021: £66.1 million), and up 28% on H1 2020 (£132.7 million)
- £148.4 million returned to shareholders (H1 2021: Nil) through £100.4 million of share buy-backs and dividends paid of £48.0 million
