Berkeley Group's (BKG) strong financial performance as a London-focused housebuilder has certainly supported its long-term investment schemes for directors. Last month chairman and founder Tony Pidgley was awarded 337,029 shares under the 2009 plan, while chief executive Rob Perrins received 162,387 shares.
Both directors have subsequently cashed in some of their accumulated holdings; Tony Pidgley sold 750,000 shares at 2,500p a share and Mr Perrins disposed of 250,000 shares at the same price, although both men still retain a significant holding in the group. Berkeley continues to perform strongly, and remains on target to pay out bumper dividends over the next six years. Profits in the half year to October jumped by over three-quarters to £305m and land holdings rose to over 24,000 plots.