UK: Shepherd Neame Ltd announced 6.1% rise in beer sales for its 31st consecutive year

Shepherd Neame Limited, the Kent-based brewer and pub operator, announced on October 3rd results for the 53 weeks ended 1 July 2006, its 31st consecutive year of profit growth.

Highlights include:

Pre-tax profit up 13.9% to £11.2m (2005: £9.9m)
Operating profit up 7.3% to £13.0m (2005: £12.1m)
Earnings per £1 share up 11.0% to 64.5p (2005: 58.1p)
Dividends per £1 share up 7.5% to 20.0p (2005: 18.6p)
Turnover up 4.4% to £95.3m (2005: £91.4m)
Strong performance in brewing and pub operations:
Managed house like-for-like sales up 4.9%
Tenanted pub sales up 12.4%
Total beer sales up 6.1%

Miles Templeman, Chairman, commented: "I am very pleased the company has achieved its 31st consecutive year of growth. This has been a good performance with strong results in all parts of the business against last year and against expectations. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Chairman and have been impressed by the quality and strength of the business in what is a challenging and changing market."

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