Profits continued to develop positively in the third quarter 2005. EBITDA in the three-month period amounted to NOK 539 million, which is an increase by 52 percent from NOK 354 million in the third quarter last year. Year-to-date EBITDA of NOK 1 356 million increased by 37 percent from NOK 993 million in the corresponding period last year.
The EBITDA margin in the third quarter 2005 increased to 5.4 percent compared to 4.0 percent in the same quarter last year. This confirms that internal improvement programmes and strong focus on project execution and risk management are taking effect.
Cash flow from operating activities in the third quarter was NOK 704 million, reflecting a NOK 239 million decrease in net current operating assets. The liquidity buffer was NOK 5.3 billion, including undrawn credit facilities of NOK 2.1 billion. This is an improvement of NOK 600 million in the last quarter.
Main markets have continued to develop positively throughout 2005, and several important contracts have been awarded early in the fourth quarter.
Please find attached the full third quarter report in English.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Media:
Torbjørn Andersen, Senior Vice President, Group Communications. Tel: +47 67 51 30 36
Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, Vice President, Investor Relations. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39
Aker Kværner ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised into two principal business streams, namely Oil & Gas and E&C, each consisting of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 35.6 billion and employs approximately 22 000 people in more than 30 countries.
This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, please see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com.
