The ITV Board intends to propose a final dividend of 3.3p for the full year 2021, based on two-thirds of a notional full year dividend of 5.0p. They intend to pay a full year ordinary dividend of at least 5.0p for 2022 which it expects to grow over time whilst balancing further investment behind their strategy and their commitment to investment grade metrics over the medium term.
Other financial highlights include:
● Adjusted group EBITA was up 42% at £813 million (31 December 2020: £573 million).
● Adjusted EPS was up 40% at 15.3p (31 December 2020: 10.9p). This compares to 13.9p in 2019
● Operating profit was up 46% to £519 million (31 December 2020: £356 million). Statutory profit before tax was up 48% to £480 million (31 December 2020: £325 million) and statutory EPS was up 32% to 9.4p (31 December 2020: 7.1p)
● Profit to cash conversion was 80%
● Balance sheet strength with total liquidity of £1,514 million (31 December 2020: £1,497 million), net debt of £414 million (31 December 2020: £545 million) and net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage of 0.5x (31 December 2020: 0.9x)
