Entertainment One to pay maiden dividend

entertainment oneEntertainment One will pay its first dividend, after the Peppa Pig distributor sharply increased profits in the wake of a North American acquisition.

Adjusted pre-tax profits rose 45 per cent to £77.9m, reflecting synergies from the purchase of Canada’s Alliance in January 2013. However, revenues and free cash flow were slightly below analysts’ estimates. Shares fell 2 per cent in early trading on Tuesday, continuing their retreat from a March peak.

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