Good progress against three strategic priorities
· UK market share growth:
o Both Online and Retail growing at or above market growth rates
o Online: double-digit growth in both Sportsbook and gaming net revenue
o Retail: technology led improvements in shops
· International revenue growth:
o US net revenue up 29% and adjusted operating profit1 up 24%, investing in readiness for decision on PASPA appeal due in 2018
o Australian business acquired in 2013 undergoing strategic review, to conclude by mid-2018
· Transformation and technology programmes:
o Transformation programme reaches 2017 target of £25m in-year savings and £40m of annualised efficiency gains
o Investment in technology delivering improved product development, marketing, business flexibility and efficiency
And also; Full-year dividend increased 6% to 13.2p per share, in line with policy to pay out approximately 50% of underlying earnings and reflecting the Board's confidence in the underlying business
And later; The proposed final dividend of 8.94p will, subject to shareholder approval, be paid on 7 June 2018 to all shareholders on the register on 27 April 2018. In line with the requirements of IAS 10 - 'Events after the Reporting Period', this dividend has not been recognised within these results. The Group estimates that approximately 859 million shares will qualify for the final dividend.
https://www.investegate.co.uk/william-h ... 00047205F/