Metso Corporation Interim Review on October 28, 2008: Good profitability in third quarter, measures to adjust to changing operating environment started
ighlights of the third quarter New orders worth EUR 2,246 million were received in July-September (EUR 1,440 million in Q3/07). At the end of September 2008, the order backlog was 21 percent higher than at the end of December 2007, standing at EUR 5,244 million (EUR 4,341 million at December 31, 2007). Net sales grew 5 percent on the comparison period and totaled EUR 1,528 million (EUR 1,452 million in Q3/07). Earnings before interest, tax and amortization (EBITA) were EUR 180.7 million, i.e. 11.8 percent of net sales (EUR 157.3 million and 10.8% in Q3/07). Operating profit (EBIT) was EUR 172.3 million, i.e. 11.3 percent of net sales (EUR 143.4 million and 9.9% in Q3/07). Earnings per share were EUR 0.69 (EUR 0.66 in Q3/07). Free cash flow was EUR 91 million (EUR 144 million in Q3/07). Return on capital employed (ROCE) before taxes was 23.3 percent (24.7% in Q3/07).