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K+S achieves significant earnings increases in 2006
The K+S Group consistently progressed in the pursuit of its growth course in 2006, the hitherto best financial year in the history of the K+S Group. Commenting on this at the annual report press conference, Dr. Ralf Bethke, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of K+S Aktiengesellschaft, said: “We have succeeded in producing significant earnings increases in all business segments. The key factors behind this
success were overall good demand on our markets, attractive fertilizer prices, the acquisition of Sociedad Punta de Lobos (SPL), growing waste disposal markets, the implementation of further efficiency enhancements as well as positive effects deriving from currency hedging; this enabled us to more than make up for the sharp rise in energy and freight costs.”
K+S Group revenues rose to €2.96 billion in 2006 representing an increase of €142 million or about 5%. The first-time inclusion of the SPL Group in the Salt business segment as of 30 June 2006 mainly contributed to the revenue increase. In addition, price increases in almost all areas impacted positively on revenues, so that individual decreases in sales could be more than offset. The Potash and Magnesium Products and the COMPO business segments were able to grow their revenues primarily through higher fertilizer. COMPO achieved a +2% increase in sales at Euros 552 mio and a +16.8% increase in operating result, at Euros 29.2 mio.
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