Dublin-headquartered Smurfit Kappa has more than doubled its half-year pre-tax profits, reflecting the "stability of the business".
The packaging manufacturer posted pre-tax profits of €228m for the half-year to 30 June 2014 – a 79 per cent increase on the €127m made during the same period in 2013.
Revenue also increased, albeit only slightly, by 1 per cent, from €3.91bn (2013) to €3.95bn (2014).
Operating profit before exceptional items increased by 18 per cent to €363m, from 2013's total of €307m.
Gary McGann, chief executive at Smurfit Kappa, said: "The group’s operations in the Americas are performing well with volume growth expected to improve through the second half of the year.
"With earnings growth expected in 2014, alongside considerable cash interest reductions year-on-year, the group is increasingly well placed to deploy capital to enhance returns for shareholders."
The company's board has increased the 2014 interim dividend to 15.37 cents per share – a 50 per cent increase on last year. The dividend is expected to be paid on 31 October 2014 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 3 October.
