Builders' merchants Grafton Group said today it is positive about future trading after reporting pre-tax profits in 2000 had increased by 38 per cent to euro 52.8 million on turnover up 34 per cent at euro 830 million.
Group EBITDA for the year was also up 38 per cent at euro 81.1 million.
The board raised the total dividend 35 per cent to 65.4 cents after a final of 40.3 cents.
Grafton's strategy remains focused on organic and bolt-on growth combined with an active acquisition and integration programme in the UK.
The board added that the economic picture in the US and the strengthening of the euro provide the background against which a strong Irish economy with healthy public finances will perform in 2001 and beyond.
It said inflation and interest rates, having peaked in 2000, are on the way down. Ireland's infrastructural deficit, labour cost increases and labour supply constraints provide a counter balance.
AFP