Highlights
· Underlying profit from operations (PFO) increased by 69% to £66 million (2017: £39m)
· Average net cash £161 million (2017: £45m); half-year net cash £366 million (2017: £161m)
· Underlying UK Construction PFO £5 million (2017: £2m), after £15 million charge on Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route
· Higher quality order book increased 11% to £12.6 billion (2017: £11.4bn), whilst maintaining Build to Last disciplines
· Directors' valuation of Investments portfolio stable at £1.2 billion, post £108 million of sale proceeds
· Interim dividend payment up 33% to 1.6 pence per share (2017: 1.2 pence)
And later;
Dividend
The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 1.6 pence per share, a 33% increase on prior period (1.2 pence per share). The Board recognises the importance of dividends to shareholders and anticipates a progressive dividend policy going forward.
https://www.investegate.co.uk/balfour-b ... 00028150X/