Preliminary Results part 1.
Strong financial performance
· Profits up 14% at £1,515 million
· EPS up 13% to 15.7p
· Ordinary dividend up 25% to 5.0p
Positive foundation for growth
· Selected, high-return emerging markets: increasing Africa presence anchored by three strong South African businesses
· Low-risk, modern European business: leading UK platform, £20.1 billion FUM at 29 February, well positioned for Retail Distribution Review
· Our FGD surplus of £2.0 billion and liquidity headroom of £1.5 billion enables us to invest for profitable growth and reward shareholders
Strategic activities continue to pay dividends for shareholders
· Disposal of Nordic and Finnish businesses; closure of Switzerland to new business; disposal of Dwight and OMCAP
· Proposed special dividend of 18p; 7 for 8 share consolidation
· On track to meet or exceed all our 2012 targets