Consolidated Turnover for the 9-month period of 2007 increased by 13,4% amounting to euros 177,9 million against euros 156,9 million in the same period in 2006. The said increase is due 7,4% to the rise in sales volume and 6% to the increase in sales prices. Worthy of note is that approximately 11% of the Consolidated Turnover is generated by Group sales in the States.
However, despite the negative development in the euro/dollar exchange rate and the continuous increase in PP prices throughout 2007, the Consolidated EBITDA remained at approximately the same levels as last year, reaching euros 21,7 million compared with euros 21,8 million in the same 9-month period of 2006.
The Consolidated Earnings before Taxes amounted to euros 9,4 million euro in the 9-month period of 2007, down 14,3% compared with last year, due to increased financial costs. The Consolidated Earnings after Taxes and Minority Interest amounted to euros 7,1 million for the 9-month period of 2007, against euros 7,9 million in the respective period of 2006 (-10,5%).
The Net Equity of the Group on 30.09.2007, amounted to euros 105,9 million while the debt: equity ratio remained at the levels of 0,7.
For the fiscal year 2007 overall, the Management of the Group - taking into consideration, among other factors, the fact that the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year is expected to demonstrate improvement compared with last year ? expects that: The Consolidated Turnover for the fiscal year 2007 will exceed ? 235 million, the Consolidated EBITDA will exceed 27 million and that EBT and EAT will remain approximately at last year?s levels.
We remind you that the Information and Figures for the 9-month period of 2007 was published today, 30 November 2007, in the EXPRESS newspaper and, together with the Financial Statements according to IFRS, will be posted on the ASE website (www.ase.gr) as well as the Company website (www.thraceplastics.gr).