CHEMICAL TESTER MAKES BOOMING START TO YEAR

ASX-LISTED Campbell Brothers (CPB) today predicted its net profit after tax for the first half of the year would be $130-140 million.

The Milton-based analytical testing and commercial services company’s forecast result represents a 27-37 per cent jump on the previous corresponding six-months to September 30 period.

“This will be a record first-half and is a very positive start to the current year,” says CPB chairman Geoff McGrath (pictured) in a written statement.

“[The result] includes trading for the Eclipse Scientific Group acquired in April 2012 and a full six months of trading related to the Stewart Group, Austpower Engineering and Columbia Analytical Services – which were all acquired in the previous financial year.”

However, CPB warns “uncertainties” and “volatility” in the global economy and resources sector may adversely affect full-year earnings.

“It is our expectation that the rate of growth in the second half of this year will not match the growth rate achieved in the first half,” says McGrath.

The final half-year results will be released in November 2012 while full-year NPAT figures will be announced during May 2013.