Huntsworth reported its full-year results for 2018 on Tuesday, sending shares downwards during morning trading.
The healthcare and communications firm said revenue rose 14%, and 1.4% on a like-for-like basis, totalling £225 million compared to £197 million a year before.
Operating profit jumped 26% and 12% on a like-for-like basis to £33.2 million, up from 26.4 million in 2017. The firm said this represented a margin of 14.8%.
Headline profit before tax was up 26% and 15% on a like-for-like basis, totalling £30.9 million and proving ahead of expectations.
The company also proposed a final dividend up by 10% to 1.6p per share from 1.45p per share in 2017. Total dividend for the year of 2.3p is set to be per share.
Paul Taaffe, CEO of Huntsworth, commented:
“Huntsworth has had another year of strong progress, led by stronger growth in its Healthcare divisions. Our strategy to position ourselves as a leading healthcare services-focused business continues to gain traction and was further enhanced this year with the acquisitions of Giant, Navience and AboveNation in our Marketing division. We are well positioned for additional growth in 2019 and beyond.”
Huntsworth is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It specialises in healthcare PR and communications. It operates from 62 offices in 29 countries.
Shares in the firm (LON:HNT) are currently -3.13% as of 12:18PM.
