Half Yearly Results
Highlights
· Strong progress made towards medium term targets for the Group:
o Operating profit margin* up 300 basis points to 16.1% (H1 2013: 13.1%)
o Return on net operating assets** up 350 basis points to 17.8% (H1 2013: 14.3%)
o Tangible net asset value per share† increased by 9.5% to 73.6 pence (H1 2013: 67.2 pence)
· Completed 5,766 homes across the UK, up 11%, with a 10% increase in total average selling price to £206k
· Acquired 4,336 plots in the UK short term land market in quality locations
· Worked with communities, planners and landowners to convert a record 7,195 plots from the strategic pipeline in order to develop much needed new homes across the UK
· Contributed c.£116 million to local communities across the UK via planning obligations
· Maintenance dividend up 9% reflecting increase in net assets
· 2015 cash return increased by £50 million to £250 million