Belfast based power group Viridian today announced that its turnover for last year increased by 13.2% from £566 million to £641 million sterling.
The company, which has a 49% stake in the Huntstown power station in west Dublin, said its operating profit was up by 11.5% to £107.5 million sterling. Profits at the pre-tax level fell, however, from £89.5m to £85.2m, mainly because of higher interest payments.
Earnings per share before goodwill and amortisation increased to 59.8 pence sterling from 59.7 pence the previous year, while the total dividend rose 10% to 30.61 pence.
Chairman Philip Rogerson said Viridian was well positioned to take advantages of the opportunities provided by energy market liberalisation in Ireland - north and south.
Outside the energy sector, Viridian said it was looking to build on the success of its other businesses, which include service provider Sx3, insurance company Open + Direct, and nevada tele.com, its joint venture with Energis.
It said its electricity infrastructure had performed well despite disruption caused by very severe weather in February.
Viridian's two major Irish energy products, the Moyle Interconnector and the Hunstown power station, are meeting construction targets. It added that its market supply company Energia had added customers in Ireland to its Northern Ireland customer base.
Viridian shares closed up one cent at 10 euro in Dublin.
