Command has boom year

Press, 10 March 1982, Page 22

Command has boom year

Command Services Corporation, Ltd, doubled its profit in the year to January 4, the directors announced yesterday. Th unaudited profit of $1,802,000 for 52 weeks is not strictly comparable with the $694,000 earned in the 40 weeks ended January 5 last year. The 1981 profit of $694,000 converts on an annual basis to around $900,000 — but does not allow for seasonal fluctuation. All divisions ' showed profits in excess of last year, with the largest percentage gain being in food services, security and Australian contract cleaning divisions. Two major acquisitions made in late 1982 did not contribute significantly because of initial merger costs, but are expected to make a sizeable contribution to profit this year. Trading in 1982 has started strongly, with all divisions trading well, the directors say. A final dividend of 9c a

share is recommended, and will be payable on April 28. Two cents a share of this dividend will be paid from realised capital profits and will therefore be tax free in the hands of shareholders. This dividend, together with the interim dividend of 6c a share paid in September, makes 15c a share for the year, or a payment of 41 per cent of tax paid profit. The register of shareholders will be closed'from 5 p.m. on April 16, to 9-a.m. on April 19 for the purpose of calculating the dividend.