The Bodycote Board has recommended a final dividend of 16.0p (2022: 14.9p), bringing the full year ordinary dividend to 22.7p (2022: 21.3p). The interim dividend of 6.7p, approved by the Board on 27 July 2023, was paid on 10 November 2023 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 6 October 2023. Subject to shareholder approval at the 2024 AGM, the final dividend will be paid on 6 June 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 26 April 2024.
Other financial highlights include:
Revenue up 8% to £802.5m. Growth of 6% excluding energy-related surcharges
Headline operating profit of £127.6m, 17% higher at constant currency
Headline operating margin of 15.9%, up 80bps; 17.3% excluding surcharge revenue, up 120bps
Headline basic EPS growth of 13% to 48.4p
Return on capital employed up 150bps to 14.8%
Free cash flow improved by £38.5m to £122.5m
