26th Jul 2018 09:36
LONDON (Alliance News) - National Express Group PLC said Thursday it delivered its "best ever" half-year profit as it grew revenue in all divisions.
For the six months to June 30, the FTSE 250-listed bus company posted pretax profit of GBP80.1 million, improved to GBP64.6 million a year ago.
"National Express has had another strong start to the year, delivering its best ever half year statutory profit, up 24% year-on-year," Chief Executive Officer Dean Finch said.
Finch added: "All of our divisions have grown revenue, profit and commercial passengers through a relentless focus on good customer service and technology investment."
Revenue rose 3.2% to GBP1.20 billion from GBP1.17 billion year-on-year, driven in particular by the growth in North America and in the company's Spanish division ALSA.
All the company's divisions increased commercial passengers, with the group carrying nearly 1.5% more year-on-year, National Express said.
North America saw revenue up to GBP547.5 million from GBP543.0 million, while ALSA increased revenue to GBP348.1 million from GBP318.1 million.
Meanwhile, UK revenue increased to GBP273.6 million from GBP271.3 million and German rail increased to GBP38.5 million from GBP38.1 million.
National Express lifted its interim dividend by 10% to 4.69 pence from 4.26p a year before.
The company said it continued to build on the strong start, with good summer sales.
National Express shares were trading up 1.9% at 406.40 pence each.
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