Domino's tops up dividend payment

Pizza chain Domino’s today delivered a slice of its success to shareholders after upping its half-year dividend by more than two thirds.

The group unveiled the 66.7% rise – to a record 2.2p per share from 1.32p previously – as it announced a 41.5% hike in interim pre-tax profits to £4.1m (€6.2m).

Domino’s, which operates 337 stores in the UK and Ireland on a franchise basis, said the profits rise – another record – had resulted in strong cash generation, which had allowed it to return unneeded cash to shareholders.

Chief executive Stephen Hemsley said the company had continued to make good progress in the first half of 2004, with record sales and strong store growth.

He said the outlook for the remainder of 2004 was positive, adding: “We are therefore confident of a successful outcome for the year.”