Aeci 5 1/2% Prf Regulatory News (87FZ)

1 Jul 2005 06:00

AECI LIMITED("AECI" or "the Company")(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)Registration no. 1924/002590/06Share code: AFEISIN code: ZAE 000000220TRADING STATEMENTIn terms of the revised Listings Requirements of the JSE Securities ExchangeSouth Africa, a listed company must publish a trading statement as soon as itis satisfied that a reasonable degree of certainty exists that the financialresults for the period to be reported upon next will differ by at least 20 percent from that of the previous corresponding period.AECI expects that for the six month period ending 30 June 2005, headlineearnings per ordinary share will be between 186 and 198 cents per share (ie 18to 25 per cent higher than in the first half of 2004), and attributableearnings per ordinary share will be between 176 and 188 cents per share. Thedifference between the headline and attributable earnings per share ispredominantly due to a further transitional provision for post-employmentmedical aid benefits.The main reasons for the increase in earnings are an improved performance bythe specialty fibres business, strong results from property activities andlower financing costs.The information in this trading statement has not been reviewed and reported onby the auditors of the Company.The results for the six month period ending 30 June 2005 will be published on26 July 2005.Sandton1 July 2005SponsorJ.P. MORGAN EQUITIES LIMITEDENDAECI LTD