Smurfit shares rise 3% on dividend decision

Despite pre-tax profit being down 16%, the company says its meeting its financial targets for the first six months of the year 

Chief executive of the group, Tony Smurfit, reported a "strong performance" for the year so far. Picture: Brenda Fitzsimons

Shares in Smurfit-Kappa rose 3% as the Irish-based international paper and packaging group said it has restored plans to pay a final dividend by means of an interim payout.           

It comes as the company said it had a "strong performance" in meeting its financial targets in the first six months of the year.