Latest News

Highlights

• Turnover, including joint venture, increased by 5% to £1,306 million (2004 - £1,244 million).
• Pre-tax profits, before goodwill and exceptional items, up 5% to £95.9 million (2004 - £91.3 million).
• Pre-tax profits £97.3 million (2004 - £19.7 million).
• Adjusted earnings per share rose 11% to 122.5p (2004 - 110.3p). Basic earnings per share of 125.1p (2004 - loss of 32.1p).
• Final dividend of 33p per share (2004 - 27p per share) is proposed, increasing the total dividend for the year by 26% to 48p per share (2004 - 38p per share).
• £20 million so far invested in the share buy-back policy, to be continued in the current year.
• Operating cash flow £157 million (2004 - £150 million) before £25 million contribution to pension scheme at year-end now fully funded on an ongoing basis.
• Acquisition of Southern Vectis plc in June 2005 for £14 million and Plane Handling in August 2004 for £20 million.
• Investment in expanding bus depot capacity of £16 million.
• Record performance levels at Southern achieved by year-end; robust and competitive bid submitted for Integrated Kent franchise.
• Turnaround and overall performance of aviation division showing signs of accelerating.
  Commenting on Go-Ahead's prospects, Chairman Sir Patrick Brown said:
  "Although industry costs have risen sharply, the commitment of our management and staff, together with the prospects for continuing growth in our markets, give us confidence in the future of your company."

An analysts' presentation will be held at 9.30am at WSSM's offices, Fox Court, 14 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8WS. Copies of the presentation will be available on the Company's website: www.go-ahead.com

To view a PDF version (1.06MB) of the preliminary results in full please click here.