Keller ups divi but profits fall

Engineer Keller Group reported a drop in half year profits but upped its interim dividend by 5% and said full-year expectations remain unchanged.Pre-tax profits from continuing operations fell to £41m in the six month ended 30 June from £54.2m last time, while revenue dropped 3% to £552.6m.The interim dividend increased to 7.25p compared with 6.9p last year."Whilst there are a few encouraging signs, conditions in most of our markets remain tough. ," said chief executive Justin Atkinson."However, I am confident that over the longer term we will emerge from these difficult conditions in good shape, to take full advantage of the upturn in our markets when it comes," he added. Keller