Preliminary Announcement of audited results for the year ended 31 March 2005
25/05/2005
HIGHLIGHTS
Group turnover up 5.2% to £763.0 m
Group profit before taxation and exceptional items up 16.8% to
£223.7m
Adjusted earnings per share (excluding deferred tax) increased
15.2 % to 53.2p
Ofwat assessment confirms Yorkshire Water’s four band A
ratings, a unique industry achievement
Significant growth in UK Service Operations
Challenging year for Aquarion US water business, underlying
profitability maintained despite rate case
Full year dividend increased 8.1% to 29.0p per share; final
dividend 20.66p per share
Limited share buyback programme of approximately 5% of equity
planned over next two years
KEY FIGURES
2005
2004
Increase
Group turnover
£763.0m
£725.5m
5.2%
Profit on ordinary
activities before exceptional items and interest
£321.9m
£294.7m
9.2%
Profit before taxation and
exceptional items
£223.7m
£191.6m
16.8%
Adjusted earnings per
share (excluding deferred tax)
53.2p
46.2p
15.2%
Dividend for the year
29.00p
26.83p
8.1%
Group net debt
£1,763m
£1,706m
3.3%
Following the announcement of Kelda group’s results for the
year ended 31 March 2005, the Chairman, John Napier said:
“The focus on water operations continues to give significant
benefits. Yorkshire Water Services has had an outstanding year and
this along with the continued growth of the outsourcing operations
business has resulted in an excellent set of results.”
For further information contact
May 25
Martin Towers, Kelda Group
020 7155
4322
Peter Hewer/David
Trenchard,
Tulchan Communications
020 7353 4200
After May 25
Kelda Group Press Office
01274
692954
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