PARIS (Reuters) - Europe's third-largest catering group Elior (PA:ELIOR) on Friday reported higher revenue and core profits for fiscal year 2015-16, thanks to its catering business and international operations, and handed investors a 31.3 percent dividend hike.
Elior, which competes with France's Sodexo (PA:EXHO) and Britain's Compass (L:CPG), said organic revenue, excluding the impact of voluntary contract exits, rose 3.1 percent in the twelve months to Sept. 30, in line with a company's target of 3 percent or above.
Earnings before interest, tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 5.5 percent to 501 million euros (422.40 million pounds), giving a margin of 8.6 percent of revenue.
For the 2016/17 fiscal year, Elior, whose clients range from the Vatican museum to France's La Poste and Los Angeles airport, expects organic revenue growth of at least 3 percent, an increase in EBITDA margin of between 20 and 30 basis points, excluding acquisitions, and a significant rise in EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share.