Death rates cause fall in Dignity revenue

Operating profit for the Dignity Group fell by 13 percent in the first quarter in comparison with 2015.

Profits reached £31.1 million in comparison to £35.8 million in the previous year. The Group puts this change down to the number of deaths in 2015 being abnormally high compared to long term trends.

Revenue also fell by five percent from 2016 to 2015.

The company’s current assumption remains that the number of deaths in 2016 will be broadly comparable to 2014.

The Group has acquired one funeral location since the start of the year.

Mike McCollum, chief executive of Dignity commented: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance in the first quarter, which was consistent with our expectations and supported by surveys that continue to demonstrate the outstanding work being done by our staff.

“The Group’s expectations for the full year remain unchanged.”