Astarta's 9M08 net income up 8% yoy to EUR 21.5 mln

On Friday, Astarta (AST PW) released its 9M08 financial results: net income rose 8% yoy to EUR 21.5 mln (USD 27.0 mln), EBITDA increased 29% yoy to EUR 32.7 mln (USD 41.0 mln) sales were up 30% yoy to EUR 71 mln (USD 89.1 mln). Over the period, the company said it increased grain sales by 57% yoy and sugar by 28% yoy. The company said its sugar campaign is being carried out at six of its own and one leased sugar mills. As of November 14, Astarta had made over 140 ths mt of sugar, and is secured sufficient raw materials to produce 220 ths mt this year.