Market News - Page 770

Mark Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

Aviva has grown operating earnings per share by 4% and increased the dividend by 10%.
The 10% increase in the interim dividend is our fourth consecutive half-year of double digit dividend growth and further proof of Aviva's progress.
During these choppy market conditions, it is reassuring that Aviva's results are consistent, dependable and growing.
Aviva remains financially strong with a capital surplus of £11 billion. In the first half of 2018, we started a £600 million share buy-back and paid off €500 million of expensive debt.
We remain on track to achieve our financial targets….

Strong financial performance – with double-digit revenue growth in Information Services, LCH and Capital Markets
Revenue up 12% to £953 million (H1 2017: £853 million); total income up 12% to £1,060 million (H1 2017: £946 million)
Adjusted operating profit1 up 21% to £480 million (H1 2017: £398 million),
Adjusted EPS1 up 25% to 88.7 pence (H1 2017: 71.2 pence).
Interim dividend increased 19% to 17.2 pence per share (H1 2017: 14.4 pence per share), in line with stated dividend policy…

Good half year progress: growing confidence for the year…

Harworth Group plc (“Harworth” or the “Company”), a leading land regeneration and property investment specialist, announces that it has sold all five of its built commercial units, totalling 145,248 sq ft, at its Gateway 36 Business Park in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, to Cadogan Income Properties Limited, for £15.8m, reflecting a net initial yield of 4.76% at a price above book value….

Rio Tinto announces $7.2 billion of returns to shareholders comprising
$3.2 billion from operations and $4.0 billion from asset disposals…

James Cropper Plc, the advanced materials and speciality paper group today announces the appointment of Dr Andrew Hosty to the Board as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. Dr Hosty has been acting as a consultant to the Board since November 2017….

HALF YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2018
Good progress on strategic priorities & improved profit margins…

“We have delivered another strong financial performance with increased statutory profits, higher returns, and a strong capital build”.
António Horta-Osório
Group Chief Executive…