The initial repercussions of the events in the USA in September
are reflected in the provisional figures for the first half year up
to September 30. The company forecasts weaker figures for the
second half year.
Following a good first quarter (April 1 to June 30) for
fiscal 2001/02 (sales up 8 percent and operating result up
just under 22 percent), the events in the USA had a clear impact on
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG's second quarter results. The
provisional figures indicate that Heidelberg Group sales for the
first half of the year are 2.3 billion Euro, 4.8 percent above
the level for the same period last year (just under 2.2
billion Euro). The operating profit is expected to be in the region
of 110 million Euro, i.e. 43 million Euro or
28 percent below the half-year result for fiscal
2000/2001. The profit after tax is expected to be 62 million
Euro, 20 million Euro less than in the first half of the previous
fiscal year.
Sales in September were 100 million Euro down on
expectations, this particularly affecting the USA and the Web
Systems division (with high US component). This is some
30 percent below last year's sales figure and around 65
million Euro below last year's operating result (previous
year: loss of 24 million Euro). Sales in the Sheetfed division of
1.57 billion Euro (previous year: 1.35 billion Euro) and an
operating result of around 260 million Euro (previous year: 212
million Euro) are in line with expectations, as are the sales
figures and anticipated results of the other divisions.
A comparison of the regions shows just how severely the
current situation is being impacted by the economic developments in
the USA. Sales in all regions developed well, with the exception of
the NAFTA region, where sales levels fell by 137 million Euro or
18.9 percent compared with the previous year.
In its sales and results forecasts for the year as a whole,
the company had previously assumed that the economic recovery in
the USA would begin in the second half of the current fiscal year.
Developments now suggest there will be an economic downturn in the
USA and that this may have consequences for business in Europe and
Asia. As a result, sales in the second half of the year are
expected to be further down on the previous year that hitherto
anticipated.
Despite the fact that cost-cutting measures were introduced
at an early date and will save around 100 million Euro in the
second half of this year, it appears as things presently stand that
the results for the current year will fall below those of the
previous year. Against this backdrop, the company expects profits
after tax for the year as a whole to lie between 200 and 220
million Euro.
The half-year results of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG will
be published on November 9, 2001.
For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Hans-Dieter Siegfried
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 63
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 69
E-mail:
hans-dieter.siegfried@heidelberg.com