Crest Nicholson has made a strong return to the stock market, announcing a 76% rise in pre-tax profit to £28.1 million over the six months to April 30th 2013, and a climb in operating profit margin from 15.7% to 18.1%.<br> <br> The company's open market legal completions increased 30% to 699 against 537 over the equivalent period in 2012. Sales rates rose 18% to an average of 0.77 per outlet per week compared to 2012's 0.65.<br> <br> Berkeley Group has also seen its pre-tax profit climb 26% to £270.7 million over the year ending April 30 2013, with its operating margin lifting 1.6% to 20.4% since 2012.