Aspo's net sales rose to EUR 204.9 million, the operating profit was EUR 16.2 million
2006-03-07T10:01:35 CETASPO GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR 2005:
Net sales rose to EUR 204.9 million, the operating profit was EUR 16.2 million
- The Group's net sales amounted to EUR 204.9 million (EUR 184.3 million)
- The operating profit totaled EUR 16.2 million (EUR 21.6 million)
- The profit before taxes was EUR 14.7 million (EUR 19.7 Me)
- The earnings per share totaled EUR 0.42 (EUR 0.61)
- The dividend proposal is for EUR on 0.40 (EUR 0.40)
- Prospects for fiscal 2006 are also favorable
Gustav Nyberg, CEO of Aspo:
"In 2005, Aspo continued to perform very well. On the whole, the year was a successful one. Growth accelerated towards the year-end and all divisions saw an increase in their net sales. The final quarter was the year's best in terms of net sales and earnings, as expected.
In the final quarter, the Chemicals Division's net sales reached record levels and its earnings nearly doubled over the previous quarter. The prices of chemicals were rising, which boosted net sales and improved profitability.
In the Shipping Division, strong demand for transportation in the steel industry helped compensate for below average shipping volumes of energy coal. Measured by net sales, the final quarter was the year's best. Even though earnings in the final quarter fell slightly short of the target level owing to an increase in variable costs, they were nevertheless almost on par with the previous quarter. On the whole, the past year was the second best in the Shipping Division's history.
The Systems Division generated record-high net sales in the final quarter, and its financial performance went into the black. The full year's earnings were not as strong as expected - the integration of acquired operations and investments aimed at strengthening the new organization did not have sufficient time to boost operational profitability adequately."
PROSPECTS FOR 2006
In recent years, the operations of the Aspo Group have become more diversified and more international. More than one third of net sales and the bulk of its growth are generated outside Finland. The Divisions' investments and expansion into new territories have been aimed at tapping into the growth of our neighboring markets in the East.
Aspo's prospects for 2006 are good. We expect continued revenue growth and improving operating earnings.
Helsinki, March 7, 2006
ASPO Plc
Board of Directors
The full report including tables can be downloaded from the link below.
For more information contact
Gustav Nyberg, +358 9 7595 256, +358 40 503 6420
ASPO Plc
Gustav Nyberg
CEO
DISTRIBUTION:
Helsinki Stock Exchange
The Media
www.aspo.fi