press release broekstraat 31 rue du marais b 1000 brussels belgium www umicore com phone 32 2 227 70 64 fax 79 03 e mail info btw be401 574 852 bank 210 0053806 23 trb 85382 registered office nv sa corporate communication 26 october 2005 quarterly update overview s businesses recorded a generally solid operating performance in the third quarter with precious metals products and catalysts business particular recording good growth advanced materials saw further improvements sales of key lithium compounds although other lagged somewhat services continued to perform at high level zinc specialties is not yet benefiting from recent rise price but seized opportunity lock most its exposure for 2006 substantially higher levels than those obtained current year restructuring smelting was implemented during as planned outlook continues expect full recurring ebit be range 215 million 235 if trends persist
