Heidelberg Increases Sales by More than 15 Percent to 5.3 Billion Euro |
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| 05/15/2001 |
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"The results have exceeded our expectations. We have increased our operating profit by ten percent from 463 million Euro to 506 million Euro", explained Dr. Herbert Meyer, CFO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. The Heidelberg Group's provisional net profit increased from 251 million Euro to 283 million Euro after adjustment and, after accounting for special influences, totaled 343 million Euro. The non-recurring item of around 60 million Euro net (around 100 million Euro before tax) is due to the use of new accounting procedures for special investment funds.
In contrast to previous years, special funds are no longer listed in the historical acquisition costs of around 280 million Euro. Instead, the shares, marketable securities, liquid cash and bonds held by the funds are listed at their market values of around 380 million Euro. The earnings per share rose from 2.91 Euro to 3.29 Euro after adjustment.
The number of staff employed by the Heidelberg Group rose from 24,177 to 25,936 (as at March 31), primarily due to the extension of the service and sales network.
Impressive double-figure growth rates for divisions and regions
In the 2000/2001 fiscal year, sales in all divisions were influenced by the highly favorable economic development and by the high number of incoming orders at drupa in May 2000.
Sales in the Digital division rose by just under 16 percent from 659 million Euro to some 763 million Euro. The Sheetfed division (sheetfed offset presses) also continued its success story, with sales increasing from 2.8 billion Euro to 3.3 billion Euro - a growth of almost 17 percent. Heidelberg's Web division achieved sales of 801 million Euro which, when compared to 695 million Euro last year, represents a growth of more than 15 percent. In the Finishing division, sales rose from 398 million Euro to 408 million Euro.
Heidelberg experienced high demand from all regions. Despite the economic slowdown in the second half of the last fiscal year, sales in the NAFTA region rose by just under 16 percent to 1.8 billion Euro. In Central Europe, Heidelberg once again reported high sales, achieving a figure of 1.9 billion Euro. The Middle East/Africa, Asia/Pacific and Central & South America regions demonstrated sales increases well in excess of 30 percent compared with last year.
Asia/Pacific achieved almost one billion Euro in sales, making it the third largest region. The highest percentage growth was seen in Eastern Europe, with sales in the region growing by 53 percent to 291 million Euro.
Prospects for the future: further increase in sales expected
"The economic slowdown affecting certain parts of the world has so far had hardly any effect on our business. Because of this, we expect a further increase in sales over the coming months", commented Bernhard Schreier, speaking about the prospects for the current fiscal year. Heidelberg will announce further details of the 2000/01 fiscal year at its Annual Accounts Press Conference on July 3, 2001 (10.00 a.m., Print Media Academy, Heidelberg).
For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Investor Relations
Dirk Kaliebe
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 60 20
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 60 61
E-mail:
dirk.kaliebe@heidelberg.com
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Company Profile
Over the course of its more than 150-year history, Heidelberg has grown from a traditional printing press manufacturer to become the world's largest solutions provider for the print media industry. With its seamlessly integrated hardware and software solutions, it has established a commanding lead over other market players. Heidelberg is a one-stop supplier of everything from prepress solutions to a wide range of products for printing and finishing processes, relevant training and accompanying services.
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