EIRCOM REPORTS 18% IMPROVEMENT IN PRE-TAX PROFIT.

The Irish telecommunications group Eircom announced on 24 May a 17.8% increase in profits before tax and extraordinary items for the 1999-2000 financial year (April to March) to Euro 337 million. Turnover is up 10.4% to Euro 1.955 billion. Profits before tax, depreciation, redemption and interest payments, rose 6.6% to Euro 754 million with net profits per share (before extraordinary elements) up 26% to 12.2 cents. The privatised operator has declared a share dividend of 3 cents after its first year as a private limited company. Managing Director Alfie Kane has indicated that despite...