Pilkington expects pre-tax profits for its 2004-2005 financial year to be 15% higher than in the previous year. Stuart Chambers, Group CE, says trading remains in line with expectations and with a good performance in Automotive and Building Products holding up. The company is also benefiting from lower interest costs and better profits from joint ventures and associates. It continues to benefit from cost reductions and improvements in operational efficiencies, helping mitigate variable trading conditions around the world. "Energy surcharges on building product deliveries in Europe and N America helped alleviate rising energy prices," Mr Chambers says. "Another year focussing on cash generation will again enable us to report a reduction in net debt."
