On the other hand, the underlying profit increased by 3.5% to 140.5 million pounds (136.6 million pounds in constant currency, regarding the 135.8 million in 2016) and net profit increased by 13% to 112.4 million pounds (109.6 million pounds in constant currency, regarding the 99.8 million in 2016).
The underlying profit per share (EPS) grew 5% to 75.8 pence, compared to 72.5 pence in 2016, and earnings per share rose 20% up to 58.8 pence versus 48.8 pence in 2016. Ordinary and complementary net dividend reached 25.55 pence per share, compared to 24.6p in 2016, with an increase of the total dividend for the year of 4%: 30.2 pence per share against 29.0 pence in 2016.
As for Spain, Rafael Merry del Val, CEO and co-vice president of Savills Aguirre Newman, Spain said that "the integration with Aguirre Newman positions us in a new dimension of leadership in the local market, with the most powerful real estate consulting project that has ever existed in Spain. We have a very solid team of professionals in which our clients trust. The goal is to gain share and grow from the first moment. In just over two months together we are already seeing the power of fusion. We have started the year with great strength and excellent business prospects for 2018".