press release broekstraat 31 rue du marais b 1000 brussels belgium www umicore com phone 32 2 227 70 67 fax 79 03 e mail info btw be401 574 852 bank 210 0053806 23 trb 85382 registered office nv sa corporate communication 4 march 2004 results 2003 full year recurring ebit reached 145 9 million up by 50 on 2002 net result before non items group share 89 6 41 debt at december brought back to 619 corresponding a gearing of 34 pmg acquisition earnings accretive in proposed gross dividend 1 60 per 14 operations advanced materials record performance driven foremost growth battery precious metals services continued robust and swift integration refining activities products catalysts strong profit contribution line with plan zinc improving strengthening market second half copper unsatisfactory concentrates supply conditions impact new investments launched germany usa south korea china ifrs transition accounting norms
