NZ Steel earnings jump 75% on better prices, strong demand

NZ Steel earnings jump 75% on better prices, strong demand
Gavin Evans
By Gavin Evans Feb. 25 (BusinessDesk) - BlueScope Steel’s New Zealand business reported a 75 percent improvement in half-year operating earnings on the back of increased domestic sales, strong construction demand and a recovery in global steel prices. Sales revenue for the business, which includes BlueScope’s Pacific Island operations, increased to A$463.5 million in the six months through December, 20 percent more than a year earlier. Earnings before interest and tax climbed 75 percent to A$71.9 million. BlueScope said the company, wh...