Pressrelease
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ots.CorporateNews transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
companies/Pressrelease
Landau/Isar (euro adhoc) - Information for the business press from Hans Einhell AG, Landau / Isar,
. Positive turnover development for the Einhell Group
. Record results achieved
. Dividends raised
. New market presence
. Increased turnover through international expansion
. Einhell continues to be successfulLandau / Isar, 11 April 2008
Positive turnover development for the Einhell Group In comparison to last year's adjusted data the group turnover could, with E385.7m, be increased by 7.0%. The group's turnover last year was E411.8m. Last year's turnover adjusted by weka products was E360.6m. The weka Holzbau GmbH was sold on 29 December 2006.
In Germany the Einhell group had to fight a high pressure market. Thus the adjusted turnover dropped slightly from E149.6m (act. E189.9m) in 2006 to E142.3m.
There was significant growth in turnover in the European Union. Here the adjusted turnover of E126.2m (act. E134.7m) could be increased to E161.6m. A large part of the considerable growth can be attributed to the subsidiaries in Poland and Romania.
The turnover in the other countries amounted to E54.2m in the financial year 2007. Last year's adjusted turnover was E61.1m.
It should be noted that Bulgaria and Romania have been members of the European Union since 1 January 2007. Thus these countries were included with the other countries in the financial year 2006.
The turnover in Asia could be increased from E23.7m to E27.6m.
The international share of the group's turnover rose from 59% to 63%.
Record results achieved The Einhell group increased the results of its usual business activities to E24.6m (last year act.: E23.8m, adjusted: E21.9m). With that the group's results rose to last year's adjusted figures by 12.3%.
The group's surplus for the year before minority interests increased from E17.5m (adjusted: E15.9m) to E18.0m.
The result per share increased to E4.4 per share (last year E4.3 per share).
As per year end the equity ratio was 48.2%. Thus the liquidity of the Einhell group continues to remain very good.
Dividends raised The dividends of the stock-exchange listed preferred shares are, in comparison to last year, to be increased by 12.5% to E0.90 per share. The dividends for ordinary shares are to be brought from E0.74 to E0.84 per share. The amount for distribution rises from TEUR 2,894 to TEUR 3,271. This is an increase of 13%.
With this recommendation the board would like shareholders to participate in the amount for distribution resulting from the success of the financial year 2007. The group management is looking forward positively to the future of the Einhell group.
New Market presence The company objective of differentiation from competitors' products played a special role in the financial year 2007. The entry onto the market of the EINHELL brand and the thereby closely linked brand portfolio, product design and packaging were tested. In order to increase the recognition effect the Einhell group developed two new product lines: BLUE and RED. The two new product ranges differ in price and design. The "Blue" Line should characterise the entry level price and the "Red" Line the higher price segment. Whereby, although the prices here remain below those of the current market leaders, the products clearly distinguish themselves through design, exclusiveness and customer service. In addition to the desired effect on customers, by means of this launch the efficiency in logistics and sales can also be increased. The introduction onto the market of the two ranges is being done gradually.
Increase in turnover through international expansion The Einhell group's long-term strategy is directed towards increase in turnover with consistently good returns. For this the group has, above all, to concentrate on new markets.
In the financial year 2007 new group companies could be set up in the Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece and China. At the beginning of 2008 Einhell was also able to integrate Chile into the group. With that Einhell now also has its own company in South America. Further Einhell companies are planned.
Einhell continues to be successful The Einhell group achieved its ambitious targets for 2007. Because Einhell has already achieved a very high level of market penetration in its main markets, it is concentrating on new international markets. Thanks to its success in international business the group management feels confident in its long-term target of increased turnover with consistently good returns.
It is planned to reach a turnover of E400m - E420m in 2008. In 2008, business up to now has been very satisfactory.
Landau / Isar, 11 April 2008
The Board of Directors
Contacts
Jan Teichert Helmut Angermeier Vorstand Prokurist Postfach 150 Postfach 150 94402 Landau/Isar 94402 Landau/Isar Tel. : 09951/942-108 Tel. : 09951/942-166 Fax: 09951/5817 Fax: 09951/942-293 E-Mail: E-Mail: Jan.Teichert@einhell.com Helmut.Angermeier@einhell.com
end of announcement euro adhoc --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Further inquiry note:
Silvia Vaitl
Sekretariat Vorstand
Telefon: +49 (0)9951-942 290
Fax: +49 (0)9951-942 293
E-Mail: silvia.vaitl@einhell.com
Branche: Wholesale
ISIN: DE0005654909
WKN: 565490
Index: CDAX
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Börse Berlin / free trade
Börse Hamburg / free trade
Börse Stuttgart / free trade
Börse Düsseldorf / free trade
Börse München / free trade
Original content of: Einhell Germany AG, transmitted by news aktuell