RB14 Feb 2013 00:01
Profit before tax in 2012 totalled 2,420m, up from 2,376m previously, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 247.1p to 264.4p, some 6.0% ahead of consensus forecasts.
The company raised its final dividend per share (DPS) by 11% to 78p, bringing the total 2012 dividend to 134p, up 7.0% on 2011. Net debt rose from 1,795m to 2,426m over the period, reflecting the payment of dividend and acquisitions.
Looking ahead
The firm's medium-term target for Health and Hygiene to be 72% of core net revenues has now been brought forward to 2015, from 2016 previously.
The contribution of LAPAC and RUMEA revenues to group revenues is expected to rise to 50% by 2015 also, also a year earlier than planned.