British industrial equipment rental firm Ashtead Group Plc (AHT.L, ASHTF.PK) Wednesday said second-quarter profit before taxation was 141.7 million pounds, compared to 110.4 million pounds in the prior year.

Excluding amortization, pre-tax profit was 145.1 million pounds, while it totaled 112.8 million pounds in the prior year.

Earnings per share were 18.0 pence, in comparison with 13.9 pence last year.

Revenue increased to 529.4 million pounds from last year's 439.2 million pounds.

The Board increased the interim dividend by 33 percent to 3.0 pence per share from 2.25 pence per share in 2013. This will be paid on February 4, 2015 to shareholders on record on January 16, 2015.

Further, the firm said its strong performance continued in November. With both divisions performing well and the benefit of weaker sterling, the company now expects a full year result ahead of its previous expectations.