Asserting that the improving economy still has to translate into an accelerated activity in markets, Brambles Ltd. has posted a 3% drop in revenue for the four months period up-to October 31, 2009, for the 2009-10 fiscal years. The total sales revenue posted for the period stood at $US1.402 Billion ($A1.51 Billion), which is at least 3% lower than the revenue posted for the same period last year.

"Brambles experienced business conditions in the four months to 31 October 2009 similar to those of the second half of the 2009 financial year", said the company. Chairman Graham Kraehe was quick to assert that although the firm was "yet to witness a widespread pick-up in activity or restocking of major markets", Brambles' supporting units CHEP and Recall, an information management firm, were "in a strong position to benefit from improvement in economic conditions".

A drop of 3% each was also reported by CHEP and Recall, but the company has been quick to point out that the businesses have started to perform better than before and are steadily picking up. The firm is also positive that Brambles' performance will show improvement real quick. "Brambles' cash-flow and balance sheet positions are robust and the company continues to manage both capital expenditure and working capital tightly", the firm shared.

Brambles shares gained 5 cents to trade at a new high of $6.77 on Thursday.