Diversified metals and mining company Kumba Resources on Friday reported revenue of R11.96-billion and net operating profit of R3.7-billion for the year ended December 2005.

This resulted in an improved operating margin of 31 percent for the year, the group said.

This excludes the non-recurring R1.2-billion pre-tax settlement paid to Kumba for the acquisition of its interest in the Hope Downs iron ore project in Australia.

"The year was marked by continued excellent operational performance, strong commodity prices and the realisation of benefits from the ongoing business improvement programme," said Dr Con Fauconnier, Kumba's chief executive.

Kumba added that the significant improvement in net operating profit including the Hope Downs settlement, after accounting for net financing charges of R231-million and a higher taxation charge of R1.41-billion, resulted in attributable earnings increasing by 400 percent to R3.19-billion for the financial year.

Headline earnings, which exclude the Hope Downs settlement proceeds, were 223 percent higher at R2.37-billion or 781 cents per share.

SA COMPANIES & BUSINESS INFO Trying to find your way around South Africa's corporate landscape? Looking for a info on a particular company or sector? After the latest business, financial or market news? Here's a quick directory of links to get you started.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS Petrol price relief on the cards Lonmin soars on takeover talks Kumba operating margin jumps 31% Skosana leaves Absa Transnet restructuring talks fail Biggest listing ever for AltX Gautrain route finalised Electricity price hiked Solid results for Woolies Implats announces R4.3bn dividend Thumbs up for Manuel's 10th Budget Economists positive on Budget The Budget in brief White collar crime costs R80bn BHP Billiton profit jumps