Sherry FitzGerald first-half profits rise 63%

Estate agent Sherry Fitzgerald has reported pre-tax profits of €3.55 million for the first half of this year, up 63 per cent on the same period in 2001.

Turnover was 16 per cent higher at €15.88 million.

The company said although concerns exist over the rate of slowdown in economic growth, new business across all its divisions is encouraging and the outlook for the second half of 2002 is positive.

Earnings per share before exceptionals were 17.36 cent against 9.61, with earnings of 17.36 cent against 12.41 cent.

An interim dividend of 1.5 cents was declared against 1.0.