Ladbrokes plc (“the Company”) expects Group operating profit1 for the year ended 31 December 2013 to be around the middle of the current range of analysts’ forecasts (£129.8 million to £151 million)2 and to be consistent with guidance given to the market on 14 November 2013.
Ladbrokes is pleased to confirm that the upgrading of the gaming machines estate will be completed in time for the World Cup in June 2014 and that the new Ladbrokes mobile offer, on the Mobenga platform, was successfully launched in December 2013.
The Company also confirms that it remains on track to deliver against its key strategic priorities during H1, which will in particular drive digital performance through the second half of the year and beyond.
In line with previous guidance, Ladbrokes intends to hold the total dividend per share at its current level (8.90p per share in 2012) in 2013 and additionally, at least maintain it at this level in 2014.
Ladbrokes plc full year results will be released at 7 am on Tuesday 25 February 2014.
Ends
| For further enquiries contact: | |
| Richard Glynn, Chief Executive Officer | |
| Ian Bull, Chief Financial Officer | |
| Investor relations | |
| Adrian Bushnell, Head of Secretariat | +44 (0) 7843 501 223 |
| Press | |
| Donal McCabe, External Communications Director | +44 (0) 7795 968 482 |
| Ciaran O’Brien, Corporate Affairs Director | +44 (0) 7976 180 173 |
1 Excluding High Rollers and exceptional items
2 Company compiled analysts’ forecasts
