Hutchison’s port profit, throughput up in 2006

Hutchison’s port profit, throughput up in 2006 Hutchison Port Holdings posted HK$11.4 billion ($1.46 billion) in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) in 2006, up 11.5 percent compared to HK$10.2 billion in the previous year, its parent company Hutchison Whampoa reported Thursday.
   The Hong Kong-based terminal operator, the world’s largest, increased its global throughput 15 percent to 59.3 million TEUs. It has interests in a total of 45 ports comprising 257 berths in 23 countries.
   The ports unit’s revenue improved 10 percent to HK$33.04 billion ($4.23 billion), representing 15 percent of Hutchison Whampoa’s consolidated revenue for its established businesses. Including its telecommunications business, Hutchison Whampoa’s revenue totaled HK$267.7 billion ($34.25 billion), up 11 percent over 2005.