French cement maker Ciments Francais SA expects its 2004 net profit to improve as compared to 2003, in view of its financial results for the first half of 2004, the company said on September 7, 2004. The company expects the improvement in spite of the uncertainties about the operating costs connected with the increase of fuel prices, Ciments Francais added.
Ciments Francais net profit increased to 123.3 mln euro ($148.7) in the first half of 2004 from 80.5 mln euro ($97.1 mln) in the first half of 2003. Operating profit stood at 277.5 mln euro ($334.7 mln), up 20.7 pct. Turnover rose to 1.523 bln euro ($1.837 bln) from 1.422 bln euro ($1.715). The company debts were 1.296 bln euro ($1.563 bln) against 1.578 bln euro ($1.903 bln).
