Robust sales at Filtrona

Filtrona, the maker of cigarette filters and other fibre and plastic products, has seen continued strong demand in the third quarter. Revenue for the period was up 10% compared the same period last year. Net debt stood at £80m at 1 October, a £2m reduction since end-June, benefiting from continuing strong operating cash flow. The firm's protection and finishing products continued to see broad-based growth, but the performance in porous technologies was affected by a moderation in customer demand during the period, which is anticipated to recover, the group said. "With year-to-date revenue growth of +10% at constant exchange and +8% on a like-for-like basis, the company has continued to see positive momentum. As a result, while mindful of the current economic uncertainty, we are well-positioned to deliver balanced growth for the remainder of 2011 and into the next financial year," chief executive Colin Day said. The share price was up 4.64% at 354.1p at 10:05. NR