• Operating profit: up 37% (58% after exceptionals and goodwill)
• Earnings: up 32% (48% after exceptionals and goodwill)
• British Gas residential: improved gas margins and growth in electricity and services
• Centrica Business Services: profit up 48% with organic growth supported by acquisitions
• AA: core business growth in roadside and personal finance
• Telecoms: losses reduced by two thirds and improving sector outlook
• Goldfish: credit card growth from renewed brand building
• North America: acquisitions of incumbent positions but slower organic growth
• Dividend: final dividend up 37%; up 29% for the year

Throughout this document references to British Gas include Scottish Gas.

All operating profit numbers and earnings are stated, throughout the commentary, before exceptionals and goodwill amortisation unless otherwise stated. The directors believe this measure assists with understanding the underlying performance of the group. The equivalent amounts after exceptionals and goodwill amortisation are reflected in note 3 and are reconciled at group level in the group profit and loss account, with descriptions of the exceptional items in note 5.