William Hill Plc. (WMH.L) reported that its fiscal 2012 Profit before tax rose to 277.7 million pounds from 187.4 million pounds last year.
Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent was 189.8 million pounds, up from 115.2 million pounds last year. Earnings per share increased to 26.6 pence from 16.3 pence last year.
Profit for the period grew by 58% to 231.0 million pounds from last year's 146.5 million pounds. This larger growth movement largely reflects the fact that 2011 saw a substantial non-cash goodwill write-down in exceptional costs.
Pre-exceptional tax on profit was 48.2 million pounds, compared to 41.5 million pounds at an effective tax rate of 16.5% (2011: 17.3%).
Pre-exceptional profit for the year was 244.5 million pounds, up 24% on the prior year comparable Pre-exceptional profit of 197.9 million pounds.
Basic adjusted earnings per share grew by 21% from 24.2 pence in 2011 to 29.4 pence in 2012. This reflected the strength of growth in profit for the period and benefits from the reduction in the effective tax rate.
Revenues rose to 1.28 billion pounds from 1.14 billion pounds last year.
The company said that its Board has approved a final dividend of 7.8p per share, compared to 6.7 pence per share paid last year), bringing the full year dividend to 11.2 pence per share (2011: 9.6 pence per share). The dividend is payable on 7 June 2013, the ex-dividend date is 13 March 2013 and the record date is 15 March 2013.
In a separate press release, William Hill PLC announced, following the completion of the William Hill Online Call Option valuation process, the proposed acquisition of the 29 per cent of William Hill Online that the Group does not already own from Genuity Services Limited or "Playtech" for a consideration of approximately 424 million pounds.
William Hill said it intends to raise approximately 375 million pounds, net of expenses, through a fully underwritten Rights Issue of 2 New Ordinary Shares for every 9 Existing Ordinary Shares at 245 pence per share which, together with approximately 50 million pounds from part of the 2012 Bridge Credit Facility, will be used to finance the Proposed Acquisition whilst maintaining an appropriate capital structure for the Group.
On 28 February 2013, William Hill notified Playtech of its intention to exercise the Call Option in 2013. In the event that William Hill does not duly complete the purchase by 30 April 2013, then William Hill's right to exercise the Call Option in 2015 will automatically terminate.
Shareholder approval for the resolution required to approve the Proposed Acquisition will be sought at an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on 18 March 2013 at 9.00 a.m.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.