Financial Review

Progress in year

The financial results for the 52 weeks to 24 March 2007 reflect strong progress on the MSGA plan. Sales (inc VAT) increased by 6.9 per cent to £18,518 million (2006: £17,317 million). Underlying profit before tax was up 42.3 per cent at £380 million (2006: £267 million). Underlying basic earnings per share increased to 14.7 pence (2006: 10.5 pence). Profit before tax was £477 million (2006: £104 million). Basic earnings per share increased to 19.2 pence (2006: 3.8 pence). A final dividend of 7.35 pence per share is proposed (2006: 5.85 pence), making full year dividend of 9.75 pence (2006: 8.00 pence).