UK-based pubs operator JD Wetherspoon posted a record £36.2 million net income for the first half of the company's current financial year. Buoyed by the results, the company also announced to resume dividend payments this year.

Last year, the company suspended payment of dividends as it was badly hurt after the pub business slowed down to a great extent as an effect of the global recession.

While Pre-tax profit of the company shot up 17.5 per cent, during the six months to January 24, to £36.2 million, its sales rose 4.1 per cent to £488.1 million.

Profits before tax and exceptional items rose 17.5% to £36.2 million in the 26 weeks to January 24 on total sales up 4.1% at £488.1 million.

Tim Martin, Chairman, JD Weatherspoon said that the group is going good with strong cash flow and record results. He expected the company to double the number of pub count over the next 10 to 15 years.

Meanwhile, the company, which now plans to extend its morning breakfast hours from next month, declared an average bonus of about 13 per cent of salary to its staffs.