Sage Group Posts Rise In Profit, Lifts Dividend By 30%

Sage Group PLC

reported a 3% rise in its pretax profit for the first half of the year and lifted its dividend payment by 30%. Sage Group's revenue for the period rose to GBP673.1 million, from GBP670.4 million in the year-ago period. Its pretax profit gained to GBP167.1 million from GBP162.8 million. However, adjusted pretax profit climbed to GBP176.1 million from GBP173.1 million. Sage Group's diluted EPS rose to 9.04 pence from 8.77 pence. Its adjusted EPS gained to 9.55 pence from 9.35 pence. Sage Group lifted its dividend to 3.48 pence, from 2.68 pence. Sage Group shares closed at $18.08 yesterday.