Italy's ENI Net Profit Rose

Italian energy giant's net profit grew 3.5% to EUR2.42 billion as net sales rose 12.4% to EUR20.37 billion.

The company showed improvement in all its business divisions due to a favorable trading environment and higher crude oil prices, while oil and natural gas production was flat from a year ago. Sale volumes of natural gas in Europe are forecast to grow more than 6% from 2005 levels. Year to date, EUR4.1 billion has been returned to the shareholders via dividends and share buyback.