Smiths Group Posts Higher H1 Pretax Profit, Lifts Dividend

Smiths Group PLC

reported a gain in its pretax profit for the six months ended January 31. The group also lifted its interim dividend. Smiths Group's revenue for the period rose to 1.48 billion pounds, from GBP1.41 billion, in the year-ago period. Its earnings per share climbed to 35.4 pence from 21.2 pence. Its adjusted operating profit rose to GBP253 million from GBP244 million, while adjusted pretax profit gained to GBP223 million from GBP217 million. Smiths Group shares closed at $20.00 yesterday.