Independent News and Media expects to report revenue growth of more than 7.5 per cent for 2005 and reiterated today its forecast for double-digit earnings growth.
"The group enjoyed strong revenue growth across its geographically balanced operations during 2005, with each of our five main markets showing good underlying growth in both advertising and circulation revenues," it said in a statement.
In September, the group posted a 15 per cent rise in half-year earnings and said it was confident of delivering mid-teens percentage profit growth for the full year.
The company, which operates in Ireland, the UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India, had also said in September it expected its operating margin to reach 19 per cent by year-end from 17.6 per cent at the half year.
It said this morning that despite continued investment in new products and proactive marketing, the group expected to report continued good growth in operating margins.
"Strong growth in revenues across all media platforms and markets, a vigorous programme of product development, ongoing efficiency benefits and a consequent improvement in operating margins, support the group's expectations of another period of double-digit earnings growth for 2005," it said.