Amadeus IT Holding has announced adjusted profits from continuing operations of €575.1 million for the year ended December 31st, an increase of 18 per cent on the previous year.

This was backed by growth in revenue at the IT giant of 7.5 per cent to €2.9 billion and a 6.6 per cent rise in EBITDA to €1.1 billion.

The strong cash flow generation in the period drove consolidated net financial debt down to €1.5 billion as of December 31st, 2012.

This was down by €357 million on the previous year.

Luis Maroto, president, Amadeus, commented: “Despite another year of global macro-economic challenges, Amadeus’ proven business model and geographically diverse base again allowed us to maintain our growth record and increase our year-on-year revenues by 7.5 per cent to €2.9 billion, and adjusted profit by 18.0 per cent to €575 million.”

For 2012, the total dividend proposal for submission to the Shareholders’ General Meeting (SGM) will amount to €223.8 million (equal to €0.50 per share).

An interim dividend of €0.25 per share was paid on January 30th, 2013, and the balance will be paid in July 2013, once approval from SGM has been granted.

The total dividend represents a pay-out of 45 per cent of the reported 2012 profit for the year from continuing operations, excluding extraordinary items related to the IPO.

Maroto added: “This continued success was supported by an improved performance in both our businesses: Distribution, with higher bookings and revenue, and IT Solutions, which raised Passengers Boarded as it continued to migrate existing customers to the Altéa platform.”