All World

Record first half for Valeo

Beginning last June, when Valeo has raised its outlook for the first semester, the group's management was expecting a turnover of 4.7 billion euros (+35% compared to the first six months of 2009) and was a operating margin of 6%, a level reached more than eight years.

This optimism came after the announcement of an activity in the first quarter, up 42% thanks to a rebound in production for the automotive sector at a very low cost structure and prices of raw materials declined. The shares had risen 7.5% while then 3.5% over the two sessions that followed the increase.

This Tuesday, July 27, Valeo announces half year results even better than expected turnover stood at 4.787 billion euros (+38%).The bottom line, it passes from red to green, with a profit of 168 million euros in the first six of 2010, against a loss of 213 million euros over the same period of 2009. And the operating margin reached 6.1% against 1.5% a year ago. This is the highest rate for ten years.

The growth of automobile production has been particularly dynamic in Asia (+43%) and especially China (45%). In the U.S., the increase reached 72%! Normal, after a first half of 2009 severely affected by the fall in production and the restructuring of some U.S. manufacturers.

In Europe, sales increased 23% despite the end devices scrappage and stabilization of registrations in the first half of 2010 (+0.2% versus the first half of 2009)."This phenomenon is due mainly to the effect removal of 2009 and the increase in exports outside Europe," the company said in its financial statement.

Now, Valeo expects operating margin for the year 2010 to a level "greater than 5%.

ALSO READ:

"Valeo is planning to merge or exit the Exchange

"Valeo wants to strengthen in emerging