Business support services company DCC said its group operating profit for the third quarter was "significantly" ahead of the same time time last year and in line with expectations, despite milder winter weather conditions.
In a trading update for the three months to the end of December, the company said its DCC LPG division recorded strong operating profit growth.
The business was boosted from contributions from Retail West, TEGA and Shell Hong Kong & Macau, which were bought last year.
DCC said its Retail & Oil division also saw strong organic operating profit growth.
This came on the back of good performances in Britain and Denmark, despite the milder weather, and a robust performance in France where the business was impacted by the regular nationwide protests.
Meanwhile, operating profit in DCC's Healthcare divison was well ahead of the previus year.
And DCC Technology reported strong operating profit growth, driven by the first-time contribution from
acquisitions and a good organic performance in the UK and Ireland.
The company said that Jam and Stampede, the company's recent North American acquisitions, have been integrated into the group and are performing well.
"Notwithstanding the milder winter weather conditions, DCC expects that operating profit will be
significantly ahead of the prior year and will be in line with current market consensus expectations," the company concluded.
