Irish newspaper and publishing firm Independent News & Media posted a 17.2 per cent rise in annual profit this morning.
The group said it was confident of earnings growth in 2006 in line with current forecasts.
Adjusted earnings per share before exceptional items climbed to 15.62 cents in the year to the end of December from 13.33 cents in 2004 on revenue of €1.61 billion, up 7.5 per cent.
"When coupled with the group's clear and compelling strategy for growth and its commitment to be the industry's low cost operator, the board is confident of INM's ability to deliver another year of superior earnings growth for 2006, in line with current market expectations," CEO Sir Anthony O'Reilly said in a statement.