STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Alfa Laval AB: "The order intake during the third quarter 2005 was very strong and increased with 25 percent, excluding exchange rate variations. Driving forces were high prices on energy, continued strong demand in the marine industry and expansion of the petrochemical industry in the Middle East. The demand was strongest in Asia and Latin America.
"The margin development during the quarter shows that compensation for higher raw material prices is coming through."
Lars Renstrom, President and CEO, Alfa Laval
Summary of the third quarter 2005:
- Order intake increased to SEK 4,918 (3,866) million, meaning an increase by 25.0 percent excluding exchange rate variations.
- Net sales increased to SEK 4,278 (3,838) million, meaning an increase by 10.2 percent excluding exchange rate variations.
- Adjusted EBITA increased to SEK 479 (426) million, including adverse foreign exchange effects of SEK 31 million.
- Adjusted EBITA-margin was 11.2 (11.1) percent.
- A realised gain of SEK 47.4 million on sale of land has been recognised as a comparison distortion income.
- Result after financial items increased to SEK 405 (345(a)) million.
- Cash flow from operating activities increased to SEK 485 (433) million.
Summary of the first nine months 2005:
- Order intake increased to SEK 13,496 (11,969) million, meaning an increase by 12.7 percent excluding exchange rate variations.
- Net sales increased to SEK 11,647 (10,820) million, meaning an increase by 7.8 percent excluding exchange rate variations.
- Adjusted EBITA increased to SEK 1,231 (1,229) million, including adverse foreign exchange effects of SEK 112 million.
- Adjusted EBITA-margin was 10.6 (11.4) percent.
- In addition to the realised gain on sale of land in the third quarter a comparison distortion cost of SEK 125 million has been recognised relating to the closure of the manufacturing sites in Madrid and Toronto.
- Result after financial items was SEK 823 (911(a)) million.
- Result after tax was SEK 612 (616(a)) million.
- Earnings per share were SEK 5.19 (5.23(a)).
- Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 779 (935) million.
(a) Comparison for 2004 restated according to IFRS.
Outlook for the near future
"In most of the markets that Alfa Laval serves the demand is expected to remain on the same high level as year-to-date.
"Alfa Laval also believes that the current high price level for some raw materials will remain, at least short term."
Lars Renstrom, President and CEO, Alfa Laval
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