30% profit jump for Genus


27 May 1999


30% profit jump for Genus

By FWi staff

GENUS, the cattle breeding and international agricultural consultants, have announced a 30% rise in pre-tax profits to £5.2 million for the year ending 31 March, 1999.

Despite what company chairman John Beckett described as the worst agricultural recession since the 1930s, Genus sales climbed by 20% to £57.2m.

Operating profits rose by 40% to £3.6m and the board is recommending a 14% increase in dividend from 3.5p to 4p.

In the breeding business, operating profit increased by 32% to £2.4m, while operating profits from consultancy increased by £700,000 to £1.1m.

Genus wants to create an independent consulting division with an annual turnover of £30m and has invested £7m in new businesses and £3m in research and development to achieve this.

Meanwhile, attempts to acquire the animal health supplier VDC are continuing.

Currently trading on OFEX, Genus is seeking a move to Aim or full market listing at a meeting of its shareholders on 9 June.

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