JAMES HALSTEAD (LON:JHD) Record breaking interims and “Steady progress in heavy seas
The AIM quoted manufacturer and international distributor of commercial floor coverings issued record breaking interim results.
Despite the testing environment revenue increased 6.3% to a record £92.1 million and operating profit increased 10.1% to a record £16.6 million. Pre-tax profit increased 10.2% to a record £16.9 million and basic earnings per ordinary share increased 9.6% to a record 22.8p. The interim dividend increased 10.3% to a record 8.0p. The Group remained debt free (other than a small matter of a pension deficit) with cash on the balance sheet at £41.2m at the period end up from £31.8m in 2008. This also prompted a special dividend payment of 15p a share on 25th January 2010 in advance…