DCC today reported increased profits for the first half to September and said it expects strong growth in the more significant second half of the year.
In the six months to September 30th, pre-tax profits before exceptionals and goodwill rose 4.1 per cent to €38.8 million on sales up 11.3 per cent at €1.03 billion.
EPS before exceptional and goodwill rose 7.1 per cent to 39.46 cents, the business support services group said.
The company raised its interim dividend by 10 per cent to 10.217 cents. The company's IT distribution operations, food business and other activities all reported a rise in operating profits.
However, the healthcare operations were hit by the loss of its supply of Shoprider-powered mobility products, with operating profits down 41 per cent.
Earlier this month, DCC announced the acquisition of Centrica's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business, British Gas LPG, for €64.5 million.