Alro S.A, one of the largest aluminum producers in Central and Eastern Europe, announced its financial results, in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), for the six months ended 30 June 2015.
In the first half of this year (H1), the Company reported an adjusted net profit of RON 113 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of RON 80 million, in H1 2014. In H1 2015, the turnover was of RON 1.2 billion, compared to RON 966 million, in H1 2014. In its turn, Alro Group reported an adjusted net profit of RON 136 million, for the first six months of 2015, compared to an adjusted net loss of RON 89 million, in H1 2014.
„The financial results for this period demonstrate that we implemented the correct measures to increase efficiency and to reduce costs”, said Marian Nastase, President of the Board of Alro. „In the first six months of 2015, we registered positive results, after three consecutive years of losses. Our constant efforts to increase productivity and to reduce costs had a significant impact on the final result, as well as the adjusting of the eco-taxes system for energy, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Union. This measure, vital for the aluminium industry, will allow Alro Group to equitably compete with other aluminium producers from other EU countries, where similar measures have been implemented in the past years and to remain competitive on a constantly decreasing market”.
In H1 2015, Alro Group registered a total primary aluminium production of 134,760 tonnes, an increased level compared to the one reported in the similar period of last year (H1 2014: 127,605 tonnes). The Group”s processed aluminium production was of 51,604 tonnes, higher than that registered in the similar period of last year (H1 2014: 48,828 tonnes). The increase in the Group”s production represents a confirmation of the decision to implement a strategy focused on value added products, both for the primary and for the processed aluminium segments.
“In the first half of 2015, we celebrated 50 years since the beginning of the aluminium production in Slatina, which shows, once again, that despite all the past difficulties, Alro is a robust company, that relies on continuous development by investing in technology and in training activities for its employees”, said Gheorghe Dobra, Alro”s General Manager. “We continue to be one of the biggest aluminium producers in Central and Eastern Europe, thanks to our sound strategy focused on increasing efficiency. In the future, we are planning to increase the high value added products volume for the automotive and aerospace industries”.
The Company will continue its investment program focused on upgrading and increasing the efficiency of its operations, having a budget of USD 59 million for 2015, mainly for the increase of the recycling capacity, together with expanding the products portfolio. In the past 10 years, following investments that exceeded USD 500 million, out of which USD 100 million for environmental protection, the Company upgraded its equipments in order to remain competitive on international markets and, at the same time to be entirely compliant with the applicable environmental protection regulations.
Between 2002 and 2014, Alro invested approximately USD 100 million in energy efficiency projects, such as upgrading the power stations and replacing the transformer rectifiers, improving the energy management system. For 2015, Alro planned an investment program focused on upgrading the electrolysis sector.
