Pernod Ricard reported a 12.3 per cent rise in 2003 net profit and forecast operating profit growth this year.
The world's third biggest spirits group - and maker of Chivas Regal Scotch, Havana Club rum and Jacobs Creek wines - said full-year net profit totalled €464 million versus €413 million in 2002.
But operating profit declined under the impact of the euro's strength and divestments to €739 million, from €750 million in 2002.
The capital gain, chiefly from selling its shares in French bank Société Générale , emerged at €60 million.
Pernod, ranked third in the global drinks stakes after Diageo and Allied Domecq, beat its own target for a 5 per cent rise in 2003 pre-tax, pre-exceptional profit - which rose 6.8 per cent at €638 million - and it predicted growth in operating profit excluding currency effects for 2004.