888 investors dealt a one-off dividend as earnings increase
SHARES in 888 Holdings, the online poker, bingo and casino firm, jumped more than six per cent yesterday after the company beat profit forecasts for last year and raised its dividend by 56 per cent.
888 is the only online gaming company with operations in all three US states where gambling rules have been relaxed, helping to boost its profits by 30 per cent to $53m (£32m) during the year to 31 December.
“Last year was a very busy but also exceptionally rewarding year for 888. I am delighted to report that we have delivered record-breaking revenue and increased our profitability, driven by our strong brands, exceptional platforms and best-in-class marketing systems,” said chief executive Brian Mattingley, referring to revenue that grew seven per cent to $401m last year.
Shareholders will receive a final dividend of four cents a share along with an additional one-off payment of seven cents a share. Shares of 888 closed up at 143.2p yesterday.