Finning International officials last week said the company will conclude a record year in 2006 and expects even better performance in 2007, led by strong economic conditions in Western Canada as well as South American markets.

Finning last week reaffirmed basic earnings per share of between $2.45 and $2.50 for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, while forecasting EPS of between $2.85 and $2.95 for 2007.

Finning CEO Doug Whitehead told analysts the company expects strong performance at least through 2009.

Finning is the Caterpillar dealer in Western Canada, as well as the United Kingdom. Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay. It also owns British rental giant Hewden. The company is No. 16 on the RER 100.