HHI Profits Plummet 68%

Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries expects to post a net profit of $39.8 million (44.4 billion won) in the first half, down 68.2 percent from the first half of 1999. The shipbuilding unit of the Hyundai Group expects the lower profits despite an expected rise in first-half sales to $2.69 billion (3 trillion won), up 8.9 percent. Net profits were shaved by investment losses stemming from the company's sale of stakes in Hyundai affiliates, even though its operating profits increased, he said.