Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 4 March 2005
2004 results
- Net turnover EUR 642.1 million (2003: EUR 749.6 million)
- Operating profit EUR 152.9 million on core activities excluding exceptional items (2003: EUR 148.3 million)
- Net profit EUR 88.6 million (2003: EUR 104.5 million)
- Net profit EUR 81.6 million excluding exceptional items (2003: EUR 81.8 million)
Effect of currency translation differences and disposals
- Adjusted for currency translation and disposal effects, net turnover increased EUR 31.0 million (5%) compared with 2003
- Adjusted for currency translation effects, operating profit on core activities excluding exceptional items rose EUR 13.3 million (10%) compared with 2003
Outlook
- Storage market for oil and chemical products is developing favourably
- Outlook for 2005: increase in operating profit on core activities excludingexceptional items
Other
- Net interest-bearing debt at year-end 2004 reduced by 18% to EUR 500.7 million
- Proposed dividend: optional dividend of EUR 0.50 per ordinary share, in cash or in shares