Co Cavan-based insulation and building materials group Kingspan has posted record results for the first half of 2025, with revenue rising 8% year-on-year to €4.5bn.

Trading profit increased 5% to €443m, while profit after tax rose to €334.2m from €310.2m in the same period last year.

After what it described as a slow start to the year, Kingspan said performance strengthened as 2025 progressed.

Chief Executive Gene Murtagh said: "Activity levels have firmed as the year progressed and conditions remain relatively stable, albeit with outlook varying by market and segment and supported by continuing structural growth opportunities.

“At a macro level, we expect Europe and LATAM to offer more attractive scope in the near term with the US delivering over the medium and longer term as we advance industry penetration and grow our share through innovation."

Mr Murtagh confirmed the company is targeting a full-year trading profit of around €950m — about 5% ahead of 2024.

On sustainability, he said: "By year end 2025 we also expect to have delivered a 63% reduction in Group Green House Gas emissions relative to 2020 and to roll out an additional 100+ Planet Passionate initiatives, supporting our ongoing sustainability commitments, including sourcing 60% of Group energy requirements from renewable sources."

Breaking down divisional performance, Insulated Building Envelopes saw sales rise 8%, driven largely by acquisitions, with slower trading in the US offset by solid activity in Europe. Advanced Building Systems reported 12% sales growth, boosted by demand from the technology sector.

The company also unveiled plans for a significant capital return to shareholders.

It will launch a new share buyback programme, aiming to repurchase up to 10% of its issued ordinary shares — equivalent to a maximum aggregate consideration of €650m.

In a statement, Kingspan said: "The purpose of the buyback is to reduce the share capital of the company and as such, the company will cancel any shares repurchased."

Despite the record results and the buyback announcement, Kingspan’s shares were trading lower in Dublin today.

Photo: Chief Executive Officer, Gene Murtagh. Photo:Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie