{
  "id": 4653516,
  "title": "Pre-tax profits at Central Applications Office up 27%",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/pre-tax-profits-at-central-applications-office-up-27",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-31T14:06:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0831/1589841-pre-tax-profits-at-central-applications-office-up-27/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2025, the Central Applications Office (CAO) recorded a 27% increase in pre-tax profits, reaching almost €1 million, according to recent figures. The rise in profits was accompanied by a concurrent 5.5% increase in revenues, which climbed from €3.19 million to €3.37 million. This growth was driven by a 8.5% surge in the number of applications for third-level college places, which climbed from 83,424 to 88,817 - a 6.5% increase from the previous year.\n\nThe CAO firm's operating profits also increased by 29% from €561,055 to €725,377, with the company benefiting from €237,288 in interest receivable and a €195,679 gain in investments. After accounting for a €103,191 corporation tax charge, the CAO generated a post-tax profit of €859,474.\n\nEstablished in 1977, the CAO is a private company that manages the CAO application process for students seeking third-level college places. The firm's cash funds rose from €3.15 million to €3.62 million in 2025, while its investment value increased from €4.9 million to €5.1 million. The CAO fees from application fees saw an increase from €2.97 million to €3.15 million, while income from secondments and assignments declined slightly from €209,829 to €205,363.\n\nDespite the financial growth, the directors of the CAO noted that a rise in the overall cost of higher education could negatively impact the number of applicants. The company's key management personnel received a combined €425,527 in compensation, up from €399,737 in the previous year. As of December of the previous year, the CAO's accumulated profits stood at €11.32 million.",
  "summary": "Record numbers applying to the Central Applications Office last year for third level college places contributed to the company behind the CAO recording pre-tax profits of almost €1m in 2025.",
  "key_points": [
    "CAO profits up 27% to nearly €1 million in 2025",
    "Applications for third-level places rise 6.5%",
    "Post-tax profit of €859,474 after €103,191 tax"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}