All the group’s operations reported positive results and the liner and car carrier business, which represents the main activity, achieved a 50 per cent improvement in profits. Service companies Barber International and Barwil delivered good results, which were better than in the first half of 2003. Financial results  for the period were also positive.

Viewed in isolation, the second quarter yielded the best quarterly result ever achieved by WW at USD 37 million.

WW achieved an income after associates of USD 60 million for the first six months as against USD 40 million in the same period of 2003. The corresponding figure for the second quarter alone was USD 41 million as against USD 19 million in the first three months. Pre-tax income for the group in the first half came to USD 61 million, compared with USD 35 million for the same period of last year.

Total operating income in the first half was USD 340 million as against USD 300 million for January-June 2003.

Gross revenues for the group’s wholly- and partly-owned companies, including its share of revenues at affiliates, amounted to USD 948 million. This represents a substantial increase from USD 830 million for the first half of 2003.

Earnings per share for the period came to USD 2.28 as against USD 1.34 in the first half of last year – a rise of 70 per cent.

The quarterly accounts have been prepared in accordance with the same principles as the annual accounts and with the Norwegian Accounting Standard for interim reporting.

Please find the complete report under Related links on the right.