Specsavers resumes dividend payments as profits rise to £429.7m

Specsavers has resumed dividend payments to its parent company, Specsavers International Healthcare Limited, following a significant increase in profits. The company paid £12 million to the parent entity controlled by founders Doug and Dame Mary Perkins.

Pre-tax profits rose to £429.7 million for the fiscal year ending this February, while sales grew by 7% to reach £4.3 billion. This follows a period where the Guernsey-based parent company had paused dividends due to economic uncertainty and expansion efforts.

The group also distributed nearly £258 million to its independent partners and shop owners, an increase from the £239 million paid the previous year. A company spokesperson stated that the resumption of dividends reflects the strength of the business and confidence in future performance, even as the company continues to invest in long-term growth.