Building materials group Kingspan has reported a 16 per cent increase in annual earnings to €189.3 million on the back of strong sales in the UK and US markets.
The Co Cavan-based company, which recently acquired industry rival Joris Ide, saw its profit for 2014 jump 20 per cent to €106.5 million.
In terms of the Irish market, it said volumes were still relatively low by historic comparison, albeit with a significant growth in activity in 2014.
"This momentum is likely to continue as Ireland gradually rebuilds itself, and the overhang from the boom years gets absorbed, giving way to further new-build opportunity," it said.
Overall, the company said the macro-economic environment remained mixed, with clear improvement evident in the key non-residential markets in both the UK and US, contrasting with weaker activity levels in pockets of Continental Europe.
The company proposed a final dividend per share of 10 cent, and total dividend for the year was up 16 per cent to 16.25 cent.
Kingspan's chief executive Gene Murtagh said: "Conditions in our core markets are improving, and our activity pipeline starting the new year is encouraging."
