FirstGroup Annual Profit Surges

FIRSTGROUP PLC ADR FGROY reported a rise in its profit for fiscal 2015 for the year ended March 31. FirstGroup's net profit for the year climbed to 75.2 million pounds ($114.7 million), versus a year-ago profit of GBP54.2 million. Annual EPS gained to 6.2 pence from 5.1 pence. Adjusted profit gained 48.2 percent to 117.5 million pounds from 79.3 million. Its statutory pre-tax profit jumped to 105.8 million pounds from 58.5 million pounds, while adjusted pre-tax profit gained to 163.9 million pounds from 111.9 million pounds. Its revenue slipped to GBP6.05 billion from GBP6.72 billion. FirstGroup also announced the retirement of Chris Surch, Group Finance Director. FirstGroup shares fell 1.14 percent to close at $1.73 yesterday.