LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Greene King PLC (GNK.L) reported statutory profit before tax of 92.5 million pounds for the twenty-four weeks ended 16 October 2016, up 9.0% on last year. Profit attributable to equity holders of parent was 73.8 million pounds or 23.8 pence per share compared to 70.0 million pounds or 24.8 pence per share, last year.
First-half profit before tax and exceptionals was 139.0 million pounds, an increase of 14.6% on last year. Earnings per share before exceptional items was 35.9 pence compared to 34.3 pence.
First-half revenue was 1.04 billion pounds, an increase of 13.8% compared to the prior year, reflecting the effect of LFL sales growth and a full half-year contribution from Spirit. Pub Company was the main driver of the increase and it now accounts for 82% of group revenue. Pub Company revenue in the first half grew 15.6% to a record 855.9 million pounds.
The board has declared an interim dividend of 8.8 pence, an increase of 4.1% on the first half last year, maintaining the Group's long-term progressive dividend policy.
The Group said trading in Pub Company since the period end has improved versus the trends seen in the second quarter. Trading in Pub Partners and Brewing & Brands was broadly consistent with that seen in the first half.
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