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Lower energy prices assist copper producer Aurubis' first-half earnings

Europe's biggest copper producer Aurubis AG reported firsthalf core profit above expectations on Wednesday, assisted by lower electricity and gas rates.

Aurubis' first-half core earnings, likewise called operating earnings before taxes, increased 2% to 243 million euros ($ 260.96. million) from the same time in 2015, beating the agreement. estimate of 233 million euros anticipated in a company poll.

Group income for the very first half of the year fell 6% to 8.25. billion euros, approximately in line with expectations of 8.27 billion. euros.

Second-quarter core earnings, at 132 million euros, increased. 16% from the year-ago period, while earnings fell 7% to 4.35. billion euros.

Profits was down mostly on lower copper prices and a drop in. copper shape sales such as bars and sheets, Aurubis stated, with. demand from the construction sector especially soft.

Lower sulfuric acid sales, which it offers to market,. and lower refining charges for the processing of recycling. products likewise crimped income, the business stated.

However the firm's very first half outcome was increased by. considerably greater treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs). stemming from higher copper concentrate throughput at its sites,. Aurubis included.

Miners pay TC/RCs to smelters to process copper. concentrate into refined metal, balancing out the expense of the ore.

Aurubis repeated its guidance for the year even as it. stated a boost in international smelting capability and minimal growth. in concentrate supply from the mining market would likely hold. down TC/RCs for the year. It stated long-lasting agreements indicated it. had restricted exposure to developments in the spot market.

The business's shares had actually closed practically 11% lower last Friday. after experts at UBS cautioned that low TC/RCs would hit its. revenues.

(source: Reuters)