ZURICH -- Swiss inspection, testing and certification company
SGS SA (SGSN.VX) Thursday reported a 4.1% increase in net profit
helped by growth in all regions except Europe, but said it was
cutting its dividend.
MAIN FACTS:
- Revenue in 2012 rose 16.3% to CHF5.58 billion from CHF4.87 in
2011.
- Net profit rose 4.1% to CHF556 million from CHF534
million.
- The company has proposed a dividend of CHF58, down from CHF65
million a year earlier.
- During the year, the Group completed eighteen acquisitions
that generate an estimated CHF 212 million in revenues and CHF 29
million in Operating Income on an annualised basis.
- During the year, the Group undertook a number of restructuring
plans to align its operations to current market conditions,
resulting in one-off expenses totalling CHF 47 million (net of
tax). These initiatives focused mainly on European operations.
- OUTLOOK: SGS expects to deliver solid top and bottom line
growth in 2013, notwithstanding continuing weak trading conditions
in Europe.
-Zurich Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires, +41 43 443 80 47;
zurichdjnews@dowjones.com
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