BUILDING products group CRH was another major Irish public company reporting annual results this week. Here, too, the group benefited from the wide geographical spread of its operations. The contribution made by activities in

North America was again dominant with US profits surging 72 per cent to £58.4 million with the almighty dollar provided 34 per cent of trading profits and 31 per cent of turnover.

Strong growth from both existing and new businesses led to another sparkling performance with annual pre-tax profits surging 38 per cent to £160.5 million.

Chief executive Don Godson cautions that profit growth is likely to slow down this year although "another year of progress" is anticipated.

With earnings per share rising 35 per cent to 35.55p shareholders' loyalty is cemented with a 12 per cent improvement in total dividends to 9.10p a share.