Kerry reports 10% rise in half-year earnings

Kerry Group posted a 10 per cent jump in half-year earnings today and said the outlook for the full year was good.

The company said earnings per share, before goodwill and exceptionals, for the six months to the end of June climbed to 50.9 cents, up 10.4 per cent from the same period a year ago.

It reported a 10.7 per cent jump in after-tax adjusted profit to €94.8 million. Sales at the group increased by 8.5 per cent to €1.96 billion.

Acquisitions concluded primarily during the second quarter contributed €73 million to that result.

"Building on a good first-half performance, the group is confident of achieving a good outcome for the full year," chief executive Mr Hugh Friel said in a statement.