Key performance indicators
We monitor progress against our objectives via four key performance indicators.
1 Sales
We aim to achieve year-on-year growth in sales which excludes the effects of currency translation and divestments.
In 2007, total sales for continuing businesses were £659.8 million.
2 Return on sales
Return on sales is defined as adjusted operating profit as a percentage of sales from continuing businesses. Our aim is to sustain or improve margins over time.
In 2007, return on sales for continuing businesses was 15.8%.
3 Cash conversion
We continue to focus on cash generation, with the target of delivering high cash conversion of operating profit in each financial year. Cash conversion is defined as operating cash flow as a percentage of adjusted operating profit.
In 2007, cash conversion was 99%.
4 Earnings per share
We aim to achieve growth in adjusted earnings per share.
Adjusted earnings per share in 2007 was 58.1p.
