IN FOCUS

GUD Holdings Limited reported a 10% decline in trading EBIT to $30.1 million from $33.4 million in the half year ending 31 December 2004. The lower trading performance followed a 43% increase last year.

SKF reports an increase in sales of 16.4% for the fourth quarter and 11.8% for the full year, measured in local currencies and compared to last year. The operating margin was 10.7% for the fourth quarter and 10% for the full year.

Franklin Electric reported record diluted earnings per share of $1.65 for fiscal 2004, an increase of 9 percent compared to 2003 earnings per share of $1.52, and net income was a record $38.1 million, an increase of 10 percent compared to last year’s $34.5 million.

The KSB Group reports a good performance on the Financial Year 2004. Global demand for pumps, valves and associated systems grew slightly in 2004. The driver of this growth above all was the Region Asia / Pacific.

ITT Industries reported fourth quarter 2004 net income of $121.6 million, up $13.5 million or 12 percent over the period in 2003. Fourth quarter 2004 Fluid Technology revenues rose 23 percent.

Schlumberger reported 2004 operating revenue of $11.48 billion versus $10.02 billion in 2003.

IDEX Corporation reported record orders, sales, net income and free cash flow for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2004. For the latest quarter, the company’s financial results were also significantly improved versus the prior-year period.

Sulzer recorded a high order intake during 2004: at CHF 2,198 million, the figure was 15.2 % over the prior year. In an economically stable environment Sulzer expects a reduced growth rate in 2005.

Parker Hannifin Corporation today reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $171.1 million, or $1.41 cents per diluted share, on sales of $1.94 billion for the period ended December 31, 2004, compared to …

Directors of Pentair, Inc. declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share payable February 11, 2005, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 28, 2005.