AUG.L Share News (AUG)

(ShareCast News) - Specialist waste management business Augean posted an update on Monday, ahead of issuing its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December.The AIM-traded company confirmed that underlying profit before tax was expected to be in line with consensus market expectations.It said it generated "strong" net operating cash flows during 2016, and as at 31 December net debt was £10.8m which is £2.3m better than expected.Augean said it saw continued strong performance from its energy and construction division, with further growth in 'air pollution control residue' volumes, and a smaller than expected reduction in the volume of construction soils received by its sites from the unusually high level of 2015.The significant increase in APCR volumes, underpinned by a number of contract wins in the first half, continued through the second half, the board said.Performance from its radioactive waste services arm was in line with expectations but as previously reported, had been impacted by a sharp reduction in volumes from UK nuclear decommissioning.There was reportedly strong performance from Augean's industry and infrastructure wing, with a record profit.Colt Industrial Services, which was acquired in May 2016, had a slower than anticipated start although the board said there were positive signs of an improved performance and growing sales pipeline.Augean described "continued strategic traction" at Augean Integrated Services, with further success in winning additional total waste management contracts with top-tier customers, typically with terms of between three and five years.It saw strong top-line growth of over 35%, with an "encouraging pipeline" of opportunities for 2017.The East Kent High Temperature Incinerator did not achieve breakeven in 2016, however, and the operational improvement programme was expected to ensure increased levels of plant availability.Augean North Sea Services also traded strongly in the second half after a loss-making first half of 2016.The division progressed further on its diversification objective, with additional contract wins helping to offset the continued reduced market activity in its drilling waste management business.Its previously-announced investment at Port of Dundee was attracting substantial interest from the North Sea decommissioning market for ANSS to undertake onshore waste management."We have had an encouraging start to the year and have good momentum across our businesses," said chief executive Stewart Davie."Despite some challenging market conditions in 2016, we have secured further waste management contracts with top tier customers that will progressively diversify our revenue streams."In view of the opportunities ahead, the board remains confident in the group's delivery of further sustainable growth, in line with our strategy."Augean said its preliminary results for the year were expected to be announced on 20 March.