StockMarketWire.com - RPC Group reveals revenues in the third quarter of the financial year 2011/12 (1 October - 31 December 2011) were significantly ahead of the corresponding period of the previous year due to the inclusion of the Superfos business and increasing like-for-like revenues.

RPC, the supplier of rigid plastic packaging, stressed the improvement in the sales mix towards higher added value products such as pharmaceutical devices and coffee capsules had continued.

Overall like-for-like sales volumes, in terms of polymer tonnes converted, were at a similar level to last year as the growth in higher added value packaging was offset by the continuous light weighting trend and lower activity levels in the surface coatings and vending cup markets, which were affected by the macro-economic slowdown.

Operating profit (before exceptional items) in the third quarter was significantly ahead of the corresponding period last year.

This was achieved as a result of the contribution of the Superfos business, the realisation of the associated synergies and improving like-for-like profitability as the Group benefitted from the enhanced sales mix and a more benign polymer environment.

As anticipated, the adjusted profit before tax in the third quarter was ahead of the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

The company's financial position remains robust with satisfactory cash flow development in the third quarter and significant headroom under the Group's debt facilities.



At 8:59am: (LON:RPC) RPC Group share price was -5.7p at 384.6p


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