| Net profit for the corporation reached CHF 73 million, an increase of 78% over that of the prior year. In accordance, the board of directors proposes a dividend of CHF 9 per share (prior year: CHF 6). With the high order intake (CHF 2,198 million, +15%) and efficiency improvement programs in place, the foundations for a promising business year in 2005 have been laid.
Sulzer Chemtech enjoyed another year of good business performance in 2004. The robust Asian market and strong demand for static mixers led to a high volume of orders received, up 11% to CHF 346 million (adjusted: +14%) despite negative currency effects and weak European markets. Sales advanced by 2% to CHF 313 million (adjusted: +5%). Sulzer Chemtech posted an increase in operating income (EBITA) of 30% year-on-year to CHF 30 million, and a return on sales (ROS) of 9.6%. |