DCC records a 14% profit rise in year

DCC, the Irish multi-industry distribution and support services group, has given an upbeat outlook for its current financial year after reporting a 14.2% profit rise and a 40% leap in revenues for the 12 months to the end of March.

The group, which seemingly has its fingers in every pie from healthcare and waste management to the distribution of food products and computer game consoles, saw pre-tax profits rise to €181.7 million and group revenue jump to €5.53 billion for its 2007/08 financial year.

Operating profits rose by 21.8%, on a constant currency basis, to €167.2m and adjusted earnings per share grew by 15% to 56.67c. The traditionally stronger second half of the year saw good performances from each of the group’s five divisions of energy, healthcare, Sercom (its IT wholesale arm), food and beverage and environmental.