Keller Group plc (“Keller” or “the Group”), the international ground engineering specialist, reports progress in the first half of 2004.
Highlights include:
- Turnover increased by 6% to £294.1m (2003: £278.7m)
- Profit before tax* down 13% to £11.2m (2003: £12.8m), after adverse £1.1m currency impact
- Suncoast margins restored
- Makers on track to return to sustained profitability in the second half
- Solid order book representing around four months’ sales
- Interim dividend raised 4.3% to 3.6p (2003: 3.45p)
* before amortisation of intangibles and 2003 exceptional items
Justin Atkinson, Keller Chief Executive, said:
“We have made real progress in addressing the issues in Makers and Suncoast which held back our 2003 results and the Group is now well positioned for the remainder of the year.
“We go into the second half with a solid order book, representing around four months’ sales. Based on this and our current trading, the Board anticipates that the Group’s performance for the year as a whole will be in line with expectations.”
A briefing for analysts will be held at 9.15 for 9.30 am on Monday, 23 August 2004 at The Theatre & Gallery, London Stock Exchange, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LS
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