Pre-tax profits at building materials group CRH rose by 25% last year to just over €1.6 billion, as sales climbed by 30% to €18.7 billion.
Earnings per share rose 20% to 224.3 cent and a 33% higher total dividend of 52 cent will be paid. The results were better than expected.
CRH said the improvement was achieved despite higher raw materials costs and a fall in US housing market.
Chief executive Liam O'Mahony told RTE radio its US businesses were strong, while it had finally seen a recovery in euro zone markets. CRH made acquisitions of €2.1 billion last year, and Mr O'Mahony said it still had 'firepower' for more buys.
In Europe, CRH's profits were up 20% to €814m. The materials division was ahead 12% at €421m, products were up 26% to €221m and distribution profits rose 39% to €172m.
In CRH American operations, profits were 33% ahead at €933m. Materials posted a 45% increase in profits to €475m, products were up 22% to €375m and distribution rose by 28% to €103m.
In Ireland, profits in its materials business were ahead of last year, as cement volumes rose by 3%. The company said it recovered higher costs by increasing prices.
CRH said housing output in Ireland was likely to soften, but was likely to be offset by increased activity in the infrastructure and public sector.
Shares in CRH closed up 80 cent at €31.50 in Dublin this evening.
