ASPO INTERIM REPORT JANUARY 1 - MARCH 31, 2006
2006-04-27T08:57:26 CETNet sales grow to EUR 49 million, operating profit EUR 1.8 million
- The Group's net sales amounted to EUR 49.0 million (EUR 44.5 million)
- The operating profit totaled EUR 1.8 million (EUR 2.7 million)
- The profit before taxes was EUR 1.5 million (EUR 2.4 million)
- The earnings per share totaled EUR 0.04 (EUR 0.07)
- Prospects for 2006 continue to be positive; we are well positioned to improve our operating profit over last year
- The operating profit totaled EUR 1.8 million (EUR 2.7 million)
- The profit before taxes was EUR 1.5 million (EUR 2.4 million)
- The earnings per share totaled EUR 0.04 (EUR 0.07)
- Prospects for 2006 continue to be positive; we are well positioned to improve our operating profit over last year
Gustav Nyberg, CEO of Aspo:
"In the first quarter of 2006, Aspo's net sales continued the previous year's growth performance of more than 10 percent. However, even though the divisions saw favorable development, the Group's earnings fell short of last year's earnings.
The Chemicals Division recorded the best performance in the first quarter. In more stable market conditions, Chemicals was able to increase both its net sales and operating profit by more than 20% over the previous year.
Suffering from difficult weather and market conditions, the Shipping Division generated about the same net sales as a year earlier, but increased costs undermined its profitability and taxed earnings.
In the service station business, the large number of bio fuel and payment technology upgrade projects has fuelled the growth of the Systems Division. The Division's loss in the first quarter is typical of this business. Nevertheless, the Division was able to reach or even exceed its targets."
Aspo's outlook for 2006 continues to be positive. We expect further growth, although somewhat slower than in the first quarter. We believe we are still in a position to improve our operating profit from last year.
The entire report can be loaded from the attached link.
ASPO Plc
Gustav Nyberg
CEO
For further information please contact
Gustav Nyberg, +358 9 7595 256 or +358 40 503 6420
gustav.nyberg@aspo.fi
Distribution:
Helsinki Stock Exchange
The Media
www.aspo.fi