ASPO INTERIM REPORT JANUARY 1 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
Net sales grew to EUR 159.5 million, the operating profit was EUR 7.5 million
- Aspo Group's net sales in January-September were EUR 159.5 million (EUR 146.0 million)
- The operating profit stood at EUR 7.5 million (EUR 12.3 million)
- The profit before tax amounted to EUR 6.1 million (EUR 11.2 million)
- Earnings per share stood at EUR 0.18 (EUR 0.33)
- The outlook for the remainder of the year is better than for the first half. Net sales will continue to increase but comparable full-year earnings for 2006 will clearly fall short of last year.
Gustav Nyberg, CEO of Aspo:
"Market conditions for Aspo's Divisions remained positive in the January to September period, allowing for a continued growth in net sales. As we expected, operational profitability improved in the third quarter but the earnings performance fell short of last year.
The Chemicals Division showed the strongest performance. Foreign units saw a dramatic sales increase and their aggregate operating profit was, for the first time, higher than the domestic operating profit. The Division was also able to clearly improve its profitability over last year.
Demand picked up over the summer, resulting in a slight upward trend in the Shipping Division's net sales in the January to September period. Problems with the availability of coalcontinued, which held back operations to some extent. Despite the improvement in profitability in the third quarter, the operating profit fell clearly short of last year's performance.
The Systems Division was able to achieve a marked improvement in profitability and the operational performance for the third quarter was profitable. However, non-recurring expenses associated with the action plan launched in the summer kept the operating loss for the January to September period at the previous year's level."
PROSPECTS FOR 2006
Aspo Group has become increasingly diversified and global in its operations. More than one third of net sales and the majority of growth are generated outside Finland. For an extended period, the Divisions' efforts to enter new markets and their investments have been focused on tapping into the growth of our neighboring markets in the East.
Market conditions for Aspo's Divisions continue to be positive. Growth in net sales is expected to continue, while the comparable operating profit for 2006 will fall clearly short of last year.
The full report including tables can be downloaded from the link below.
ASPO Plc
Gustav Nyberg
CEO
For further information, contact:
Gustav Nyberg, tel. +358 9 7595 256 or +358 40 503 6420
gustav.nyberg@aspo.fi
