MADRID, July 29 (Reuters) – Spanish tollway operator Abertis (ABE.MC) said net profit rose 5.1 percent in the first half from a year ago, driven by stable traffic figures and strength in its telecoms division.
Net profit rose to 335 million euros ($436 million), beating forecasts for 326.8 million in a Reuters poll.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 6.6 percent to 1.177 billion euros, also beating forecasts for 1.169 billion.
Traffic on Abertis motorways fell 0.7 percent in the first half from a year ago, while it telecoms division posted a 19 percent increase in operating profit.
Abertis’ shareholders are currently immersed in a 25 billion euro leveraged buyout of the firm, with news on whether the financing for the deal has been sealed expected in the next few days. ($1=.7684 Euro) (Reporting by Judy MacInnes; editing by Jon Loades-Carter)