Back to News
10 December 1998
(all current year figures compare with the year ended 30 September 1997)
| · | Pre-tax profits | up 57% to £14.6m (£9.3m) |
| · | Turnover | £204.0m (£195.7m) |
| · | Unit sales | 762 new homes (843) |
| · | Social housing | 951 completions (775) |
| · | Operating margins | |
| | - Group margins | up 35% to 9.2% |
| | - Speculative housebuilding margins | up 32% to 12.4% |
| · | Earnings per share | up 35% to 14.3p (10.6p) |
| · | Final dividend | up 25% to 2.5p per share |
| · | Return on capital employed | 18.0% (12.3%) |
| · | Substantial and growing land bank | - 4,200 plots (with planning permission) |
| | | - 6,900 plots (subject to planning permission) |
| · | Among industry leaders in community and strategic land development |
Commenting on the Results and Future Prospects, Alan Cherry MBE, Chairman said:
"Further good progress has been made during the year by the Group towards re-establishing itself a top performer in the industry."
"The Group is entering this phase of economic change in a strong position. Forward sales positions are being maintained and we expect further growth from our expanding regional operations. Our land stocks are the envy of many of our competitors and are relatively inexpensive. We have one of the largest urban regeneration programmes in the South East and our design/build order book is increasing.
The Directors consider the Group to be well placed and expect it to perform well during the current financial year despite the less encouraging outlook for the UK economy."
Further information:
| Alan Cherry, Chairman | Countryside Properties PLC |
| Graham Cherry, Chief Executive | Countryside Properties PLC |
| Mike Pearce, Finance Director | Countryside Properties PLC |
on 0171 786 9600 until 12:45pm, thereafter on 01277 260 000
Back to News
Information correct as at 10/12/1998