Press releases 2007

William Hill PLC - Final Results

05 March 2007

Announcements of preliminary results

William Hill PLC (the 'Group') today announces its results for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2007 ('the period').

Highlights include the following:

• Gross win up 15% to £931.3m (2005: £807.7m)
• Profit on ordinary activities before finance charges and exceptional items up 19% at £292.2m (2005: £245.0m)
• Cash generated from operations before tax and interest up 30% to £313.9m(2005: £242.0m) which represents 107% of operating profit
• Basic earnings per share (EPS) pre exceptionals up 24% to 45.5 pence(2005: 36.6 pence)
• Proposed final dividend up 19% to 14.5 pence per share (2005: 12.2 pence per share) payable on 5 June 2007 to shareholders on the register on 27 April 2007
• The Group has purchased 43.3m shares for £257.0m via on-market share buy-backs between July 2005 and December 2006
• Plans well developed to exploit opportunities in Spain and Italy in conjunction with our partners, Codere
• In the nine weeks to 27 February 2007, the Group's gross win has increased by 11%. At this early stage of the year, the Board remains comfortable with consensus expectations

Commenting on the results, Charles Scott, Chairman, said:
"The Group has seen strong profit growth in the period, with the Group realising the full-year benefits of the Stanley Retail acquisition and benefiting from good organic growth throughout the rest of the business. Profit before finance charges and exceptional items was 19% higher than last year and earnings per share excluding exceptional items increased by 24%.

We remain confident of the Group's future prospects and are committed to delivering value to shareholders. The Board has resolved to increase the final dividend by 19% to 14.5 pence per share."

David Harding, Chief Executive, added:
"I am delighted with the performance of the Group, particularly the Retail business, which has prospered this year following the successful integration of Stanley Retail and the completion of the roll-out of EPOS".

There will be a presentation to analysts at 9.00 am today at the Lincoln Centre, 18 Lincoln's Inn Field, London WC2. Alternatively, it is possible to listen to the presentation by dialling + 44 1452 541 076. The presentation will be recorded and will be available for a period of one week by dialling + 44 1452 550 000 and using the replay access number 1161115£.

The slide presentation will be available on the Investor Relations section of the website: www.williamhillplc.co.uk.

See Full Press release

Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Reader.

Registered Office: Greenside House, 50 Station Road, Wood Green, London N22 7TP.
Registration Number 4212563 England