ZURICH, Aug 26 (Reuters) - First-half net profit at Sulzer AG fell to 25 million Swiss francs ($17.7 million) from 42 million in the year-ago period, the Swiss machinery and engineering group said on Tuesday.
The firm, whose shares are being dropped from the blue-chip SMI index , said it expected full-year net profit to lag the 2002 result as well, despite improved operating profit on the back of higher orders and sales in local currencies.
Sulzer's first-half 2002 earnings had been boosted by gains on real estate sales and the disposal of a business unit.