Finland-based Outokumpu posted a net profit of EUR 603 million for October to December 2006 quarter as compared to a loss of EUR 180 million in Q4 of 2005. However, its earnings included a net gain of EUR 328 million from the sale of more than 80% of Outokumpu’s technology unit Outokumpu Technology Oyj. For the full year 2006, Outokumpu’s revenue rose by 23% to EUR 6.15 billion from EUR 5 billion in 2005 and net profit increased to EUR 963 million from a loss of EUR 363 million. Outokumpu also gave a positive outlook for 2007, saying demand for its products would remain strong, especially in Europe. Also, the company expected slight increases in base metal prices.
