National Express Group Posts Increase In Profit

National Express Group PLC NXPGF reported a gain in its profit for the year ended December 31. National Express Group posted a normalised profit before tax of 145.4 million pounds ($225.7 million), compared to GBP143.7 million, in the year-ago period. Statutory profit before tax climbed 3% to £66.5 million. Its net profit climbed to GBP59.1 million versus GBP56.8 million. The company's revenue slipped 1% to GBP1.87 million. National Express Group reported cash flow of GBP190 million in the period, compared to GBP182.8 million last year. The company's board proposed a dividend of 10.3 pence per share for the full year, a 3% rise y/y. CEO Dean Finch said, "National Express has made significant progress over the past year. Every division is carrying more passengers and has grown revenue. We have successfully retained key existing contracts, recently won another two rail contracts in Germany and this month started operating our Bahrain bus contract."