NOL Profits Are Up Sharply

Shipping and logistics group Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) reported sharply higher interim net profit that met market expectations, helped by higher freight rates and lower interest expenses. Its net profit surged to $48.70 million from $8.43 million on the back of an eight percent increase in turnover to $2.19 billion.

Barra Global Estimates has a full year consensus forecast of S$215.6 million ($123.2 million) Janice Chua, analyst at Vickers Ballas, had expected the first half to come in at S$80 million ($45.7 million). Speaking at a news conference, NOL group president and chief executive Flemming Jacobs said the operating results would have been much better compared to the first half of 1999, except for a non-recurring gain a year ago.