The consolidated turnover of VIOHALCO increased by 40%, during the year 2006, compared with 2005, amounting to euro 3.274 mill. The consolidated profits before taxes and minority interest amounted to Euro 227 mil., increasing by 281%. The profits before taxes, interest, and depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to euro 404 million, increasing by 85%, compared to those of 2005. The depreciation for the period, carried into the results, amounted to euro 123 mil. increasing by 5,5%. The consolidated profits after taxes and minority rights amounted to euro 113 million, or euro 0,57 per share, marking an increase of 460%, in comparison with 2005.
The profit of VΙΟHΑLCΟ, S.Α. amounted to euro 37,5 mil. or euro 0,188 per share, increasing by 187% and the amount of dividend per share for distribution, to be proposed for approval by the Shareholders'' General Meeting, is euro 0,08.
The increase in the capacity of the production units, as a result of the remarkable investments, made throughout the last years, contributed to the increase of the sales volume, which, combined with the increase in metals prices, led to a significant increase of the turnover. In addition, the decrease of the production cost, due to the investments, as well as the better profit margins, had a favorable effect on the results of the year 2006.