IN FOCUS

In the year of its 60th jubilee, the Grundfos Group achieved its largest ever pre-tax profit of DKK 1,254m, despite relatively high prices of materials and a weak US dollar. That made 2005 the third consecutive year of record earnings.

US demand for fluid handling pumps is expected to increase 2.7 percent annually including price increases) to $8.5 billion in 2010, supported by an improved outlook for many pump-using industries. In addition, gains will be bolstered by …

National Oilwell Varco reported that for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005 it earned net income of $101.6 million, or $0.58 per fully diluted share, compared to third quarter ended September 30, 2005 net income of $88.5 million, or $0.50 per fully diluted share.

Roper Industries reported record sales, profitability and cash flow for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2005. Fourth quarter net sales were $393 million, operating cash flow was $105 million, net earnings were $50 million, and diluted earnings per share (DEPS) were $0.57. For the full year,…

Baker Hughes announced that, income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter 2005 was $257.4 million or $0.75 per diluted share, compared to $178.8 million or $0.53 per diluted share for the fourth quarter 2004 and $220.6 million or $0.64 per diluted share for the third quarter 2005.

Gardner Denver announced that revenues and net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 were $1.2 billion and $67.0 million, respectively; the Company’s highest levels since becoming an independent entity in 1994.

Positive trend continues for Cardo’s business area Cardo Pump with strong earnings in fourth quarter.

IDEX Corporation announced its financial results for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2005. Orders in the fourth quarter were up 9 percent, sales increased 8 percent and net income rose 27 percent to $28.7 million.

ITT Industries, Inc reported a fourth quarter 2005 net loss of $84.0 million or $0.91 per share, including the impact of special items of $218.6 million or $2.34 per share, primarily related to a previously announced non-cash asset impairment charge in the company’s switches business.