ESB operating profits rise 10% as dividend to state hits €126m

The semi-state energy company recorded sales of close to €5.3 billion last year

The company said it has now returned €1.2 billion to the state over the last decade.

ESB has increased its dividend payout to the Irish state by more than 50 per cent after it reported double-digit profit growth for its 2021 financial year.

Announcing full year results on Thursday, the semi-state energy company reported a 55 per cent increase in pre-tax profits last year to €288 million. Operating profits for the company grew by 10 per cent to €679 million, despite profit margins shrinking from more than 16 per cent in ...