Hill & Smith H1 profits up on infra spending, weak pound

Infrastructure group Hill & Smith Holdings said first half pretax profits rose 73% to £33.5m, boosted by higher infrastructure spending in key markets and the weak pound.

Revenue increased 13% to £291.8m. Currency tailwinds added £15m.

Hill & Smith said the outlook for the US and the UK remained remained positive, “despite increased political and macroeconomic uncertainties”.

The interim dividend was lifted 11% to 9.4p a share.