Waterford Wedgwood today said it is trading above levels seen in the year to December 31st, when it recorded its best-ever results.
Figures for 2000 show the luxury products group achieved a 23 per cent rise in total sales to euro 1.084 billion, up from euro 879.6 million.
Of this, crystal sales were up by 10 per cent at euro 435.7 million and ceramics sales grew by 21 per cent to euro 481.4 million.
Pre-tax profit before goodwill amortisation was euro 85.5 million, up from euro 68.7 million, while earnings per share of 10 cents compares with 8.26 cents for 1999.
The total dividend has been increased by 15 per cent to 3.06 cents per share, compared with 2.67 cents last time, after a final dividend of 2.4 cents.
Chairman Sir Anthony O'Reilly says 2000 was the group's eighth successive year of record results.
"We are now widely recognised as one of the world's major luxury lifestyle brand companies, with strong market share and number one brand status in each of the world's key trading blocs," he says.
Mr O'Reilly adds that despite the indications of economic weakening in the United States, Waterford Wedgwood is trading above 2000 levels.
"We will continue further to develop and contemporise our brands while growing the group through selective acquisition," he adds.
AFP