Rolls-Royce is a global company providing power for
use on land, sea and air. The company has a balanced business
portfolio with leading positions in civil aerospace, defence,
marine and energy markets.
There are now some 54,000 Rolls-Royce gas turbines in
service and these generate a demand for high-value services
throughout their operational lives. Rolls-Royce is a
technology leader, employing 35,200 people and operating in 48
countries.
For the year ended December 31
2003
2002
Group turnover
£5,645m
£5,788m
Underlying profit before taxation*
£285m
£255m
Firm order book
£17.4bn
£16.2bn
Return on capital employed
11.6%
10.5%
Year-end net debt
£323m
£595m
Equity shareholders' funds
£2,141m
£2,035m
Earnings per ordinary share:
Underlying*
12.20p
11.10p
Basic
7.04p
3.29p
Payment to shareholders**
8.18p
8.18p
* excluding exceptional and non-trading items, defined in note 2.
** under new proposals, which will be put to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on May 5, 2004 shareholders will receive 'B' Shares rather than a dividend. These shares can be redeemed for cash or converted into ordinary shares in the Group.