Business Review

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  • all three segments of the Group performed well
  • excellent conversion of profit to cash
  • the acquisition of quality businesses has continued and the pipeline is encouraging
  • dividend raised 15% for 8th consecutive year
  • balance sheet remains strong with net borrowings at £32.6m (2006: £30.1m)
  • committed bank facilities recently increased from £70m to £100m and extended to 2013
  • accelerating concerns about global energy supply and climate change provide major opportunities for future growth
  • identified as one of Britain’s top 20 employers for 2008
  • the Board remains confident about the Group's prospects

2007 Results
Profit (before tax and amortisation of acquired intangibles) was £45.0 million (2006: £34.7 million). Basic earnings per share (before amortisation) were 15.17 pence (2006: 12.01 pence). Operating cash flow was £45.4 million (2006: £40.7 million). After funding acquisition consideration of £26.6 million, the Group had net borrowings of £32.6 million at 31 December (2006: £30.1 million).

Dividend
The Board is recommending a final dividend of 1.66 pence per share payable on 29 May 2008 to shareholders on the register on 11 April 2008. The total dividend for the full year will be 3.18 pence, an increase of 15% (2006: 2.76 pence). Our dividend has risen at this rate for a number of years, providing shareholders with a significant increase in real income.

RPS is an international consultancy
providing advice upon the development of
natural resources, land and property, the
management of the environment and the
health and safety of people.

The Group seeks to ensure
continuous improvement in the range and
quality of our services and our financial
performance by:

  • operating in markets where we can add value to our clients' activities;
  • endeavouring to achieve leadership in those markets; and
  • making acquisitions of quality businesses in order to extend our expertise and geographical presence.

The Board remains confident that this strategy will continue to offer our staff challenging and rewarding careers, whilst continuing to deliver growth and good returns for our shareholders.