StockMarketWire.com - Stagecoach Group plc's preliminary results for the year ended 30 April 2011 show revenue up to £2,389.8m from £2,164.4m for 2010 and total operating profit up to £240.2m from £192m from 2010.

Adjusted earnings per share is up 27.3% to 23.8p with full year dividend up 9.2% to 7.1p.

Business highlights included further megabus.com expansion driving revenue growth in North America.

Sector-leading profit margin and good passenger volume growth trends at UK Bus

UK Rail underpinned by operational delivery and customer satisfaction

Shortlisted for Greater Anglia and West Coast rail franchises; Virgin Rail Group in discussions about a franchise extension at West Coast

Positive outlook for the Group's greener, smarter public transport services

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive, Sir Brian Souter, said:

"We are seeing growing demand for our bus and rail services in the UK and North America, with further evidence of modal shift as consumers look for better value and more convenient transport alternatives to the rising cost of motoring and increasing road congestion.

"The strong results we have achieved across the Group are the result of our successful organic growth strategy. We are focused on providing value-for-money products, continuing to invest heavily in our networks, and harnessing the power of the Internet, new technology and social media to attract new customers and make it easier for people to access our services.

"We look forward with confidence to the year ahead. Public transport is central to supporting economic growth and meeting the global challenge of climate change. In the UK, high quality public transport will be at the heart of the successful delivery of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We believe the outlook for our bus and rail services is positive."





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