24.07.2006

Haulotte revises 2006 forecasts

With consolidated net first-half sales up 27 percent to a record €238.8 million (up from €188.7 million for the same period in 2005) the Haulotte Group has significantly revised its 2006 forecasts.

These figures strengthen its position as the number three in the world and its claim to be the European market leader, 90 percent of Haulotte's sales were European.

The company says that the 'breakdown by activity sector' highlights a three percent increase in equipment sales over the same period last year, to a total of 84 percent. It also said that the total consolidated sales for equipment rental, services and financing each fell by one percent to 11 percent, four percent and one percent respectively.

The Group also confirmed plans to expand production capacity in 2007 by rolling out operations at two new industrial sites - one in Spain's Cantabria region which will focus on product diversification - and the other in Romania's Arges region to take advantage of Eastern Europe's emerging platform markets. It also states that these two projects will not significantly affect business or results this year.

Haulotte is upbeat about results and outlook. It says that because of more than a 50 percent increase in orders at the end of June combined with healthy prospects in all markets, it has revised its business forecasts and now expects revenues to rise a further 10 percent than previously forecast to 30 - 35 percent this year. It also expects to confirm net profit forecasts of at least 11 percent for the year 2006.