MARKETS

Integration boosts Forge profits

CONSTRUCTION and engineering company Forge Group says it is in great shape for the remainder of t...

Lauren Barrett
Integration boosts Forge profits

The profit for the six months to the end of December represents a 60% increase from the $21.3 million profit recorded on the previous corresponding period.

Meanwhile, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased by 84% to $61.8 million.

In a record half-year result, revenue increased to $503 million.

Forge recorded cash flow from operations of $79 million and ended the half year in a strong cash position with $187 million in cash and equivalents.

As a result, the company will issue an interim fully franked dividend of 10c per share, up 4c year on year.

Forge, which has a large exposure to Western Australia’s resources sector, secured about $462 million of new contracts during the six-month period.

As a result of its half-year result, Forge is confident it will meet its full-year profit guidance of $90-100 million, while revenue is slated to tip in at $950 million to $1 billion.

Forge managing director and chief executive David Simpson said the strong performance reflected the integrated contributions from all four divisions.

“During the half we took the decision to re-brand our four operating business units under one unified and distinct brand, Forge Group,” he said.

“Already we are witnessing the benefits of a unified brand.”

Of particular importance was the company’s ability to generate solid cash flow from operations which has bolstered the company’s financial platform.

“This gives us the flexibility to pursue organic growth opportunities and acquisitions,” he said.

Among its divisions, its power group, previously known as CTEC, was a standout, posting record revenue of $202.5 million.

“Forge Power Group performed exceptionally well during the half, with $380 million in new contracts secured, a 96% increase in employee numbers and a new office opened in Thailand,” the company said.

Meanwhile, its minerals and resources division managed a 5% increase in revenue to $55 million.

It was achieved in an environment which Forge describes as a “subdued market for resources sector spending, particularly in Western Australia”

“With a solid and diversified order book and a strong cash position, Forge Group is in good shape for the remainder of the year and into financial year 2014,” Simpson said.

The company’s order book stands at $1.04 billion, with the company recently securing contracts with BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

Shares in Forge firmed on the pleasing results, up 4.7% or 28c to $6.28.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence: Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024

Exclusive research for Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets