Slovenia's Petrol sees 2018 net profit up by 16 pct (updated)

Petrol dd Ljubljana

15/12/2017 07:49

(Updates with quote, details, background) 
    LJUBLJANA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Slovenia's largest fuel 
retailer Petrol  PETG.LJ  expects a group net profit of 86.9 
million euros ($102.4 million) in 2018 compared with a profit of 
74.7 million forecast for this year, boosted by higher sales, 
Petrol said on Friday. 
    It added 2018 sales are seen at 4.5 billion euros, up from 
3.6 billion expected this year. 
    It also said in a statement it plans to invest 99 million 
euros in fixed assets next year. 
    "In 2018 the investment policy will be focused on the 
consolidation of the sales position in Slovenia, the boosting of 
sales in southeastern Europe markets, and on the expansion of 
operations in the area of energy and environmental systems," 
Petrol said.  
    The number of filling stations will rise to 498 by the end 
of 2018, up from 495 at the end of 2017, it said. Petrol 
operates filling stations in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, 
Montenegro and Kosovo. 
    ($1 = 0.8485 euros) 
 
 (Reporting by Marja Novak; Editing by Adrian Croft) 
 ((Marja.Novak@thomsonreuters.com; +386-1-5058805, Reuters 
Messaging: marja.novak.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) 
 
Keywords: PETROL FORECAST/