Adelaide Brighton 2005 net profit $90.92m, final 6.25c09:19,...

Adelaide Brighton 2005 net profit $90.92m, final 6.25c
09:19, Wednesday, 15 February 2006

Sydney - Wednesday - February 15: (RWE Aust Business News) -
Adelaide Brighton Ltd (ASX:ABC) reported a net profit of $90.92 million
for 2005, down 2.6 per cent on 2004.
Revenue was up 5pc to $725.24m.
It declared a fully franked increased dividend of 6.25 cents,
payable on 5 April with record date of March 7, raising the total 2005
dividends to 10.5c, a 40pc increase over the previous year.
The earnings per share increased 11pc to 16.2c.

*****
Outlook
Managing director Mark Chellew said cement demand is forecast to
continue at similar levels to that of 2005 with growing pressures
nationally for increased investment in infrastructure which may provide
further balance to any regional weaknesses in the residential sector.
"A recovery in the housing sector is anticipated in New South
Wales in the second half of 2006, and this improvement will have a direct
benefit on the performance of Hy-Tec and C&M Brick," he said.
"Lime demand in Western Australia is predicted to increase by
over 300k tonnes by 2010 due to the planned capacity increases in the
steel, aluminium, gold and nickel sector."

*****
Result
Mr Chellew said the increase of 5pc in sales revenues was
achieved through growth in cement demand in core markets.
"Cement demand increased overall due to strong growth in Western
Australia, both from the construction and resources sectors and in South
Australia and the Northern Territory from the resources sector," he said.
"Demand in Victoria and Queensland continued to be robust, though
demand in New South Wales was significantly below 2004 due to the decline
in residential construction activity.
"The reduction in demand in New South Wales had a direct impact
upon the performance of our Hy-Tec concrete and C&M Brick masonry
products businesses.
"Overall lime volumes were level with 2004 as some periodic
interruptions in key customers' demand in Western Australia offset by
increased demand in the Northern Territory.
"Cement pricing improved during the year as selective price
increases were achieved across most markets, recovering the impact of
material, labour and energy cost increases, and provided some margin
growth."
Adelaide Brighton shares last traded at $2.29.
ENDS

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