Russian freight firm Globaltrans Investment posted $311.6 million in 2012 net profit, down 2 percent from a year ago due to an increase in finance costs, the company said in a statement on Monday.
A Reuters poll of analysts expected it to post $316.6 million in net profit, flat year-on-year due to an increase in its debt.
The company said its net debt rose to $896.9 million by year-end from $258.4 million as of end-2011 as it borrowed to finance acquisitions of Ferrotrans and a number of railcars.
Globaltrans recommended paying 70 cents per ordinary share in 2012dividends, up from 64 cents in the previous year.
(Reuters)
