Recruitment group CPL has reported pre-tax profits of €8.1m for the year to the end of June, a 54% increase on the previous year.
This came as revenue rose by 24% to €235.3m, while operating profits jumped by 81% to €7.2m. The final dividend of 2.5 cent gives a 25% higher total of five cent for the year.
Chairman John Hennessy also announced plans to return up to €20m of surplus capital to shareholders, through a tender offer to shareholders at €3 a share.
CPL said the growth had been achieved at a time of continued economic uncertainty in Ireland and other markets, with significant pressure on its prices and margins. The company said it had managed its costs carefully.
The company said there appeared to be a "two-speed" economy, with skills shortages in areas such as technology, but very few job opportunities in areas such as construction.
Fees from permanent placements rose by 46%, while fees from temporary placements were up 22%.
CPL said it expected further profitable growth in the six months to the end of December, but warned that economic uncertainty made it impossible to forecast beyond that date.
Shares in CPL Resources closed 10% higher at €2.75 in Dublin this evening.
