The consolidated net profits of the Group in the 1st half of 2006 amounted to 30.6 mln vs. 13.1 mln in the corresponding period last year, increased by 133%.
This increase is due to the large increase in the income of the Group by 71% ( 61.1 mln in H1 2006 vs. 34.2 mln in H1 2005), which is mainly due to the increase in turnover by 109% (average daily traded value 395 mln in H1 2006 vs. 189 mln in H1 2005). The average daily value of transactions in the period 1.1.2006-28.8.2006 amounts to 352 mln. In particular the increase in operating income is due primarily to the significant increase in both the income from the trading and clearing in the ATHEX cash market by 87%, as well as the increase in income from the trading and clearing in the ATHEX derivatives market by 45% as well as the increase in income from listed companies by 45%.
The operating costs of the Group, despite the marginal increase in Q1 2006, were significantly lower in the 1st half by 8% ( 13.2 mln in H1 2006 vs. 14.4 mln in H1 2005) mainly due to the decrease in personnel salaries and related costs by 14%, which is the largest cost category (56% of operating costs). As a result, the operating result (EBIT) of the Group in H1 2006 amounted to 44.1 mln vs. 18.0 mln in the corresponding period last year, increased by 145%.
The parent company, in H1 2006 shows dividend income of 30.1 mln vs. 56.8 mln in the corresponding period last year. The profits before taxes of the Company amounted to 27.5 mln vs. 57.0 mln in the corresponding period in 2005. Finally, the net after tax profits amounted to 27.4 mln vs. 56.8 mln in the corresponding period last year.
The financial statements of HELEX are posted on the Company's website (www.helex.gr) and will be published in newspaper "EXPRESS" on 31.8.2006.