Aker Releases 3Q Results

Aker Yards ASA reported an EBITDA of NOK 304 million for the third quarter of 2006, an increase of 7.8 percent compared with the third quarter of 2005. Challenges on three RoRo container vessels gave a negative result effect in the quarter of approximately NOK 60 million for the business area Merchant Vessels.

Additionally, capacity costs related to low capacity utilization in France resulted in a negative effect of NOK 90 million in the quarter, slightly more than anticipated. Order intake in the third quarter was NOK 19 995 million, giving an order backlog of NOK 77 519 million at the end of the quarter, comprising 150 vessels.

Aker Yards had revenues of NOK 6 505 million in the third quarter of 2006, an increase of 54 percent compared with NOK 4 219 million in the corresponding period of 2005. High activity in all three business areas and the acquisition of new yards contributed to the development.

The order backlog increased by NOK 16 912 million from the previous quarter, and order intake in the third quarter was NOK 19 995 million. Further, currency fluctuations resulted in an upward adjustment of the backlog.

Cruise & Ferries contributed a significant part of the order intake, with the order for two post panama cruise vessels for NCL representing approximately NOK 12 billion. The order backlog at the close of the third quarter was NOK 77 519 million, compared with NOK 35 457 million at the end of the third quarter 2005.

Aker Yards achieved an EBITDA result of NOK 304 million in the third quarter of 2006, compared with NOK 282 million in the corresponding quarter of 2005. The EBITDA margin for the third quarter of 2006 was 4.7 percent. Challenges on three ro-ro container vessels gave a negative result effect in the quarter of approximately NOK 60 million. Additionally, capacity costs related to low utilization in France gave a negative effect of NOK 90 million in the quarter.