irish healthcare services provider United Drug rose strongly after reporting a jump in profits and saying it would raise the dividend.
Pre-tax profits and earnings per share (EPS) were both up by 11% in the year to the end of September.
Profits were €59m over the period while EPS came in at 19.89c, which in turn boosted the company's share price by 6.6%.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Revenues rose 5% to €1.83bn and the firm said it would raise the final dividend by the same amount to 6.56c per share.
This gives shareholders a total dividend for the year of 9.04c per share, 4% up on 2011.
Chief Executive Liam FitzGerald said that during 2012 the firm had significantly expanded its service offering and geographic footprint.
"Over 70% of operating profits were generated outside Ireland with 27% now coming from the US market," he said.
MM
-
Millions at risk of 'unnecessary' tax bill – how to shield your savingsMillions of Brits could be taxed on their savings interest this year as their savings interest exceeds the personal savings allowance. Are you at risk?
-
Savers will have to wait as long as 48 years to build a £1m cash ISA pot if allowance is cutChancellor Rachel Reeves is rumoured to be planning a cut to the cash ISA allowance in the Autumn Budget, making it harder for savers to build wealth. Will you still be able to build a £1 million cash ISA pot?
