GP Batteries turnover for the three months ended 30 June 2006 was S$187.2 million (appr. US$ 118 million), a decrease of 13.8% over the corresponding period last year. The profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company for the first quarter was S$2.2 million (appr. US$ 1,4 million), against a profit of S$3.6 million for the corresponding quarter last year.

Turnover decreased mainly due to market reactions to the price increase of Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries that the Group has undertaken, and the continued keen competition of Lithium Ion batteries. However, turnover for Carbon Zinc primary cylindrical batteries increased by about 12%. Sales to North & South America decreased due to the weakened sales of Li-ion products. Sales to Asia and Europe also decreased, a result of the upward price adjustments of the Group’s NiMH batteries. The relocation of part of the Li-ion batteries production facilities from Taiwan and Hong Kong to China had been completed.