The corresponding figure for the same period of last year was USD 70 million.
Operating income totalled USD 672 million in the third quarter, up from USD 542 million for the same period of last year.
| Operating income |
672 |
542 |
| Net operating profit |
85 |
70 |
| Profit before tax |
79 |
12 |
“The USD 130 million increase in operating income reflects high fleet utilisation as well as improved earnings from both logistical activities and maritime services,” says Ingar Skaug, group chief executive of WW.
Profit before taxes was USD 79 million, compared with USD 12 million in the same quarter of last year. Net profit amounted to USD 76 million as against a loss of USD 3 million in 2006.
“The final result was pulled up by a sales gain of USD 17 million and positive effects derived primarily from bunkers and currency hedging,” reports Mr Skaug.
The group achieved a total operating income of USD 1.9 billion for the first nine months, compared with USD 1.8 billion for the same period of 2006.
| Operating income |
1 895 |
1 828 |
| Net operating profit |
207 |
202 |
| Profit before tax |
191 |
139 |
Net operating profit for the period came to USD 207 million, up from USD 202 million, whilst profit before tax amounted to USD 191 million as against USD 139 million.
In line with WW’s policy of paying dividend twice a year, the board is proposing a supplementary dividend of NOK 3.50 per share for the second half of 2007. Subject to approval by an extraordinary general meeting on 20 November, this will bring the total payout by WW ASA for 2007 to NOK 9. That includes the dividend of NOK 5.50 per share paid in the first half.
WW expects a profit for 2007, after ordinary financial items and adjusted for special items, which is somewhat weaker than in 2006. This is in line with the first-half forecast. Higher bunkers prices for 2007 and a possible new Norwegian tax regime for shipowning companies will affect the annual result.