Building materials group CRH has reported a 5% increase in sales to €18.9 billion for the year to the end of December.
CRH also posted a €761m pre-tax profit for last year, which compared to a €215m loss in 2013, on the back of an improving economic backdrop in its main markets.
The company has recommended a final dividend of 44 cent per share, in line with the final dividend for 2013.
This gives a total dividend of 62.5 cent for the year, unchanged from the previous year's level.
CRH said the recovery in the US, where it is the leading producer of asphalt for highway construction, was gaining momentum and it expected to see some improvement in overall demand in western Europe next year with markets stabilising.
Its chief executive Albert Manifold credited the company's underlying business strength and a return to growth across many of its key markets for its improved profits.
"With further improvements expected in market conditions across our main geographies, together with easing commodity prices, the benefits of cost efficiencies and a favourable exchange translation effect, we expect 2015 to be another year of progress," the CEO added.
Shares in the company were slightly higher in Dublin trade today.
CRH earlier this month agreed to pay €6.5 billion for the assets Lafarge and Holcim have to sell to win regulatory approval for their planned merger to create a new company which predicts annual sales of €38 billion.
The assets, which include operations in Britain, Canada, Europe and the Philippines, will add €752m to annual EBITDA, CRH said.
Mr Manifold said results this week from its Swiss and French peers showed the assets performed in line with expectations.
On its own disposal plan, CRH has agreed deals on almost two-thirds of the €1.5 billion of assets up for sale.
Neither that process, nor the Lafarge, Holcim deal is set to change CRH's strategy of making smaller bolt-on acquisitions, the company said.
Breaking down the company's divisions, CRH said that revenues at its "Europe Heavyside" unit rose by 4% to €3.929 billion, while operating profits jumped by 138% to €151m on the back of "excellent" weather conditions, especially in the first quarter of the year.
It noted that double digit sales growth was seen in Ireland and the UK, which was partly offset by declines in the Benelux countries and France. An increase in residential activity in Dublin resulted in higher volumes, but prices remained competitive due to overcapacity in the market.
Revenues at its "Europe Lightside" division grew by 7% to €913m while operating profits rose from €28m to €71m, with the business again benefiting from mild weather early in the year.
Operating profits at CRH's "Europe Distribution" division increased by 6% to €112m while revenues rose 2% to €3.999 billion. It noted that its Swiss, French and Germany markets saw subdued demand and intense competition.
Turning to its American operations, CRH said that sales in its "Americas Materials" division rose by 7% to €5.070 billion, while operating profits jumped 57% to €355m. It said that after the early months of the year were impacted by bad weather conditions, trading improved as the year progressed, led by improved residential and non-residential segments.
Revenues in its "Americas Products" division grew by 5% to €3.225 billion while operating profits rose by 113% to €145m on the back of an on-going improvement in the US economy - including a stronger labour market and consumer confidence.
Operating profits at its "Americas Distribution" unit increased by 24% to €83m while sales rose 7% to €1.776 billion, with the performance of the division led by strong demand due to early storm activity.
