14/05/2007
Unaudited quarterly results for the 13 week period to 30 March 2007
Dignity plc, Britain's largest single provider of funeral-related services, namely funeral services, cremations and pre-arranged funeral plans, announces its unaudited trading statement for the 13 week period ended 30 March 2007.
Group turnover increased by 4.4% to £43.2 million (2006: £41.4 million).
Operating profit increased to £16.6 million (2006: £14.0 million). This included a payment of £1.5 million in respect of recoveries from the pre-arranged funeral plan trusts. The comparable payment for 2006 was £1.2 million, which was received in the second quarter that year. Excluding these recoveries, operating profit for the period increased by 7.9% to £15.1 million (2006: £14.0 million).
Peter Hindley, Chief Executive of Dignity plc commented:
'The Group continues to trade well and remains in line with expectations for the full year.'
In accordance with the terms of the securitisation carried out in April 2003, Dignity (2002) Limited (the holding company of those companies subject to the securitisation) has today issued reports to the Rating Agencies (Fitch and Standard & Poor's), the Security Trustee and the holders of notes issued in connection with the securitisation confirming compliance with the covenants established under the securitisation.
Copies of these reports are available at www.dignityfuneralsplc.co.uk
Enquiries:
Dignity plc – 0121 354 1557
Peter Hindley, Chief Executive
Mike McCollum, Finance Director
Buchanan Communications – 0207 466 5000
Richard Oldworth/Nick Melson