Financial Data - Crane Group

Austral Wright Metals is part of the Crane Group, a major distributor of plumbing and electrical supplies in Australasia and a leading manufacturer of plastic pipeline systems and non-ferrous metal products, operating in Australia and New Zealand. The Crane Group customer base includes the plumbing, electrical, building, industrial, mining, government, telecommunications and rural industries. Download the latest Crane Group Financial Report.

• During the year we exported nonferrous metal products to more than 20 countries throughout the world. Our manufacturing operations are certified to ISO 9001.
  
• At 30 June 2005 the Company had approximately 58 million shares on issue, held by over 11,200 shareholders. The market capitalisation of the Company was approximately $495 million.
  
• We employ approximately 5,600 people.
  
• We aim to build shareholder value through superior operating performance, strategic investments and improved asset productivity.
  

2005 Report Highlights

• Sales revenue up 4.1% to $2.2 billion
• Earnings before interest, tax, goodwill amortisation (EBITA) and significant items up $9 million to $108.1 million despite increased IT costs and substantially higher raw material costs
• Net profit after tax before significant items of $39.4 million
• Significant improvement in working capital across all businesses
• Strong cash flows from all businesses
• Net debt reduced by $73 million to $230 million
• Earnings per share (before significant items) up 5.8% to 69.5 cents per share
• Continued focus on safety and reinforcement of safety programs
• 45% reduction in work place injuries
• Restructuring benefits delivered as planned
• Performance focused management team
  
  

..."The metals distribution businesses of Austral Wright and Mico Metals continued to perform extremely well during the year, benefiting from positive industry dynamics, improved profitability resulting from the restructuring changes and market share growth in most sectors. Sales were up 24% and EBITA was up 125% compared with last year."
Greg Sedgwick, Managing Director, Crane Group of Companies
Exert from 2005 Financial Report.

Crane Group Financial Report 2005
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