CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Construction firm Leighton Holdings Ltd. (LGTHF.PK, LEI.AX), the Australian unit of Germany's Hochtief (HOCFF.PK) reported full year profit after tax attributable to members of A$509 million, up 13 percent from A$450 million last year. Basic earnings per share were 150.9 cents, higher than the 133.5cents reported a year earlier.
Underlying net profit after tax were $584 million, 30 percent higher than the $448 million in the prior year.
Total Revenue rose 6 percent to A$24.41 billion from A$23.13 billion in the previous year. Revenue-Group advanced 8 percent to A$22.57 billion from A$20.83 billion a year earlier.
The company declared a final dividend of 60 cents per share, 50% franked, for the second half, and this brings the total dividends declared for 2013 to $1.05 per share, an increase of 31% on 2012. The dividend will be paid on 4 April 2014.
'In 2014, improved profitability will be driven by margin expansion initiatives, as top line growth is not anticipated amid the current tough market conditions,' the company said.
Looking ahead, the company expects 2014 underlying NPAT to be within the range of $540 million to $620 million and gearing to be within the Board approved range of 20% to 35% at the end of FY14.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX