10th Nov 2014 08:06
LONDON (Alliance News) - Dignity PLC on Monday posted a rise in revenue and underlying operating profit in the nine months to the end of September and maintained its full-year expectations as it said deaths came in line with guidance.
The FTSE 250-listed funeral services company said its underlying operating profit in the 39 weeks to September 26 was GBP64 million, up 6.3% from the GBP60.2 million reported last year. Revenue in the period was up 3% to GBP196.4 million from GBP190.6 million.
Dignity said the number of deaths in the third quarter was 129,000, up from the 122,000 a year earlier. Due to the rise during the period, deaths after the 39 weeks to the end of September were approximately 3.5% down year-on-year, having been 7% lower in the first half.
The company said its forecast for deaths in the full year remains 535,000 to 550,000, with the number of deaths in the first 39 weeks consistent with this guidance, leading the group to maintain its full-year expectations.
Dignity said trading in the fourth quarter has been in line with expectations.
"The group's operating performance in the third quarter has been strong, with the group now showing good operating profit growth year on year. Outstanding customer service and strong operational efficiency continue to underpin our activities. Our financial expectations for the full year remain positive and unchanged," said Dignity Chief Executive Mike McCollum.
Dignity shares were up 0.4% to 1,541.4 pence at the open on Monday.
By Sam Unsted; [email protected]; @SamUAtAlliance
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