The Group has maintained a progressive dividend policy since flotation and has recommended a final dividend of 22.6p per ordinary share in respect of 2022. This, together with the interim dividend of 7.1p per ordinary share paid in December 2022, maintains the full year dividend, as compared with last year at 29.7p per ordinary share. The final dividend, if approved by shareholders, will be paid on 30 June 2023 to shareholders on the register on 2 June 2023 and the shares will be ex dividend on 1 June 2023.
Other Financial Highlights:
- Group revenue up 16.5% to £3.8bn (2021: £3.3bn), underpinned by contribution from newly acquired businesses, first full year of trading in New Zealand and inflationary impact
- Volume growth of 4.3% to 513,816 tonnes (2021: 492,588 tonnes)
- Adjusted operating profit down 3.3% to £71.1m (2021: £73.6m)
- IFRS operating profit down 14.8% to £54.0m (2021: £63.4m) after exceptional items of £11.9m, relating predominantly to 2021 fire at Belgium site
- Adjusted basic earnings per share down 26.4% at 45.1p (2021: 61.3p)
- IFRS basic earnings per share down 56.0% at 19.8p (2021: 45.0p)
- Strong cash flows from operating activities of £98.3m (2021: £121.3m)
- Net bank debt £211.6m (2021: £84.6m) following £83.6m investments in acquisitions/JVs and £56.8m capex investment with a strong balance sheet following refinancing
