The half-year operating margin rate represents 3.4% of consolidated revenues, compared with 3.5% one year earlier. The first half's profitability was impacted by around Euro 1.1 million in non-recurring costs linked to the Group’s reorganization.
After taking into account the cost of net debt for Euro 1.6 million, a Euro 1 million tax expense and the share of income from the forest plantation business, total net income came to Euro 0.2 million, identical to the previous year. After deducting the percentage attributable to minority interests, net income (Group share) broke even.
The outlook reflects the operational turnaround in Gabon, the good performance levels reached in Cameroon and Congo, and the commercial development achieved on international markets. The Group has also further strengthened its position as a market leader for certified African tropical timber, with a 270,000 hectare forest concession awarded in the Central African Republic, where harvesting operations will start up in 2016.
Rougier Group is a market leader for certified African tropical timber. The Group has three core business lines: Rougier Afrique International (natural forest harvesting, industrial processing and international trade), Importing and distribution in France of timber from all origins (including Rougier Sylvaco Panneaux) and Plantations (research, management and investment in industrial forest plantations in Africa).