NTR profits expected to rise 13% to €15.5m

NTR is expected to report post-tax profits up 13.4% to €15.5m for 2004 in the coming weeks as the shares fall back from their record high of €27 to €23.50.

NCB Stockbrokers analyst Murray McCarter said they expect the result will highlight strong earnings progress as well as substantial development in the waste, energy and roads businesses.

“We forecast an increase in profit before tax and goodwill amortisation but including gains on the sale of fixed assets of 9.4% to €22.0m. Profit after tax and goodwill amortisation is forecast to grow by 13.4% to €15.5m and EPS (before goodwill) should rise 12.4% to 84.0 cent,” he said in a note circulated to clients yesterday.