Drinks group C&C said it expects to report higher revenues and operating profits for the year to end of February.
It also said that given the strength of the balance sheet and cash flow generation, it intends to restart dividend payments after its full year results in May.
It will evaluate the potential for further capital returns to shareholders in due course, it added.
C&C manufactures, markets and distributes branded beer, cider, wine, spirits and soft drinks across Ireland and the UK, and its brands include Bulmers and Magners cider, Tennent's and Five Lamps beer and Tipperary Water.
In a pre-close statement today, C&C said it is expecting net revenues of about €1.685m billion, an increase of 18% on the previous year with volumes set to be up 4%.
It also said it expects to report a full year operating profit of €84m compared to a reported operating profit of €48m the previous year.
It said this outcome reflects a number of factors, including the previously noted softer than expected Christmas trading and the impact of the various strikes in the UK.
C&C said that despite a challenging trading backdrop, it was pleased with the performance of its core brands - Bulmers and Tennent's - with both continuing to grow category share.
In February, the company started a significant technology project in its GB operations, a key step in the digital transformation and optimisation of the business.
"The implementation phase of the project is taking longer than originally envisaged, with some consequent impact on service and profitability, however, encouragingly service levels have largely
returned to normal levels," it added.
