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| Saint-Gobain Reports First Quarter Results Consolidated sales for the Saint-Gobain Group in the first quarter of 2006 came in at €9,745 million, compared with €7,633 million for the same period in 2005, representing a rise of 27.7% on an actual structure basis, and 24.1% at constant exchange rates (based on average exchange rates for the first quarter of 2005). The contribution of the Group's acquisitions, net of disposals, accounts for a rise of 15.2% in Group sales. British Plaster Board (BPB), which has been included in the Group's scope of consolidation since December 1, 2005, recorded sales of €956 million over the first quarter. Like-for-like sales advanced by €754 million, i.e. 9.1%, including BPB's organic growth of 13.7%. Excluding BPB, the Group's organic growth stood at 8.6%. Sales volumes rose by 6.5%, and sales prices by 2.6%. Overall, all of the Group's sectors and businesses saw significant advances in sales on a like-for-like basis. Growth is particularly strong in construction-related businesses (especially the Construction Products and Building Distribution sectors), which continued to reap the rewards of buoyant demand in the United States and Europe (except Germany). The Gypsum (BPB) and Insulation divisions posted organic growth of 13.7% and 14.6%, respectively, whilst sales in the Pipe Sector advanced 23.6% like-for-like, on the back of a significant upturn in export sales volumes. The Group also benefited from its continued expansion in emerging countries, with a further 12.4% increase in like-for-like sales. In addition, most of its industrial end-user markets remained relatively robust. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |