WS Atkins half-year profits rise 8.2 per cent on growth at home
ENGINEERING consultancy WS Atkins yesterday posted an 8.2 per cent rise in underlying pre-tax profits for the first half of the year and a 12.2 per cent increase in revenue, boosted by a strong performance in the UK.
The FTSE 250-listed firm has increased its dividend by five per cent and said its full-year outlook is slightly ahead of expectations after a good first-half performance.
Underlying pre-tax profits rose to £44.7m and revenue went up to £915.4m over the period.
UK revenues rose by 16 per cent, while energy and the Asia Pacific region also delivered good growth.
“We think the Atkins is now clearly into a positive cycle, with strong momentum particularly evident in the UK, which makes up half the business,” said broker Numis. Shares rose 2.1 per cent.