(Updates with details on 2006 objectives)
MILAN (AFX) - Impregilo SpA said it expects to return to a net profit this year, one year earlier than originally planned, thanks to strong performance to date and high order intake.
Impregilo expects to increase sales by more than 5 pct this year, accelerate the disposal of non-core assets and cut its debt/equity ratio to less than 0.5 from 0.9 previously.
In 2005, Impregilo's net losses widened to 358.2 mln eur from 88.6 mln a year earlier, weighed down by 125.0 mln in restructuring costs.
Sales fell to 2.443 bln eur from 3.000 bln a year earlier, and the construction company posted an operating loss of 254.4 mln compared with a 141.8 mln profit.
Net debt fell to 489.3 mln eur at end-2005 from 672.0 mln a year earlier.
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