DCC improves on forecasted H1 performance

Business support services group DCC has announced group operating profit of €38.6m for the six months ended September 30.

The performance improved on the forecasted 4.4% fall in half-yearly earnings and DCC said it expected double digit earnings growth in the second half of this year.

The group attributed its best success to its healthcare and food and beverage divisions, but said its IT and entertainment products division was "adversely affected by tough market conditions".

The share of profit after tax of associated undertakings of €5.7m substantially relates to DCC’s 49% shareholding in Manor Park Homebuilders, the company said today.

DCC's chief executive and deputy chairman Jim Flavin said: "The board expects that the group will achieve double-digit earnings growth in the seasonally more important second half of the financial year."