Housebuilder Persimmon is accelerating a capital return to shareholders as strong first-half trading generated increased revenue of £1.84bn.
The figure for the six months to June 30 compares with £1.19bn last year as the Covid-19 pandemic brought building sites to a halt. Persimmon’s forward order book was £1.82bn, compared with £1.86bn last year and £1.62bn in 2019 before the crisis struck.
Shareholders will receive a payout of 110p a share. Persimmon’s original plan was to make two payments in August and December.
“The board recognises the positive impact the vaccination roll-out programme is having on the UK’s economic performance and prospects,” Persimmon said on Thursday.
“However, as the pandemic continues we remain mindful of the on-going uncertainties regarding the UK economy, including employment levels, consumer confidence, and the supply chain impacts of both Brexit and the pandemic.”
