StockMarketWire.com - Housebuilding and construction group Galliford Try's pre-tax profits rose 89% to £32.2m in the six months to the end of December.

Group revenues were up 30% at £746.8m and earnings per share increased 110% to 31.1p.

The dividend is doubled to 9.0p.

Chief executive Greg Fitzgerald said: "The group is confident that it is on track to deliver all the objectives of its three year housebuilding expansion plan during the current financial year with our southern biased business performing strongly despite the general economic uncertainty.

"The housing market has remained resilient and we are encouraged by the continued strength of the market during the first seven weeks of 2012.

"The spread of long term work in the group's construction business is underpinning its strength in difficult market conditions.

"Following our rapid expansion in housebuilding the group will continue its disciplined focus on the regions and market segments where we have proven expertise and experience, concentrated on the south of England.

"This approach is expected to deliver revenue and profit growth and support an enhanced dividend and a progressive dividend policy going forward."



At 9:33am: (LON:GFRD) Galliford Try share price was +49p at 550p


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