LBC reports net sales of €124m and EBITDA of €46m for full year 2005, representing increases of 37.4% and 19.7%, compared to 2004, respectively. Performance has been boosted by an increase in storage demand from the chemical industry, which LBC says has taken advantage of feedstock and product pricing dynamics. The company says it enjoyed a “healthy business climate” in 2005, and reports “solid performance across the regions”. This is attributed to the strong profit performance of the chemical industry and high feedstock costs, which LBC says has brought supply and demand into balance. The company is optimistic for 2006, with occupancy rates at 93.9% for the first quarter and a 2.9% increase in throughput compared to first quarter 2005. Modest increases in net sales are expected this year from capacity expansion.
(reprinted with acknowledgement to HCB news alert)