Corporate | 27 February 2009 07:00
Fuchs Petrolub AG / Preliminary Results
Release of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory
AG.
The issuer / publisher is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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FUCHS closes the financial year 2008 with overall satisfactory results
- At EUR1,394 million, sales revenues are 2.1% above previous year
- Earnings EUR110.3 million
- Dividend set to be increased to EUR1.60 per preference share
FUCHS PETROLUB AG, with global operations in the lubricant business,
recorded an increase in revenues of 2.1% to EUR1,393.7 million in the
financial year 2008. However, due to the global economic collapse in the
fourth quarter of 2008, it was not possible to achieve the previous year's
level in terms of earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT). EBIT came to
EUR171.7 million (195.2), which represents a drop of 12%. Earnings after
taxes came to EUR110.3 million (120.3). Earnings per ordinary share were
EUR4.43 (4.63) and per preference share EUR4.49 (4.69), both 4.3% below the
previous year's level. All figures are still provisional.
Cash flow in the reporting year was shaped by high levels of inventories at
the end of the year due to increases in material prices and the severe drop
in demand in the fourth quarter. Free cash flow after acquisitions and
major investments came to EUR7.5 million (128.4).
Subject to a corresponding resolution of the Supervisory Board on March 26,
2009, the Executive Board at FUCHS PETROLUB AG will propose a dividend of
EUR1.60 (1.50) per preference share and EUR1.54 (1.44) per ordinary share
to the Annual General Meeting to be held on May 6, 2009. This would mean
the total dividend is at around the same level as the previous year.
However, when the share buyback is taken into account, this would represent
an increase in dividend per share of 7%.
We anticipate that the unsatisfactory market conditions we are currently
experiencing will also continue in 2009. The global drop in demand, and in
particular its further development, are difficult to estimate. Yet FUCHS
enters this difficult time in a robust condition and trusts its proven
business model. We will continue to work on potential weak areas, move on
with our disciplined system of cost management and take any measures
necessary.
The complete financial statements for 2008 will be published on March 27,
2009 and presented within the scope of the balance sheet press conference.
Key figures of the Group
2008 (1) 2007
Sales revenues EUR1,393.7 million EUR1,365.3 million
EBIT EUR171.7 million EUR195.2 million
Profit after tax EUR110.3 million EUR120.3 million
Earnings per share
Ordinary share EUR4.43 EUR4.63
Preference share EUR4.49 EUR4.69
Dividends
Ordinary share EUR1.54 (2) EUR1.44
Preference share EUR1.60 (2) EUR1.50
Free cash flow EUR7.5 million EUR128.4 million
(1) Provisional figures
(2) Proposal of the Executive Board
Mannheim, February 27, 2009
FUCHS PETROLUB AG
Public Relations
Friesenheimer Str. 17
68169 Mannheim
Tel.: ++49 (0) 621 3802 - 105
This press release is also available on the Internet at
http://www.fuchs-oil.com.
Important note
This press release contains statements about future developments that are
based on assumptions and estimates by the management of FUCHS PETROLUB AG.
Even if the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and
estimates are accurate, future actual developments and future actual
results may differ significantly from these assumptions and estimates due
to a variety of factors. These factors can include changes in the overall
economic climate, changes to exchange rates and interest rates, and changes
in the lubricants industry. FUCHS PETROLUB AG provides no guarantee that
future developments and the results actually achieved in the future will
agree with the assumptions and estimates set out in this press release and
assumes no liability for such.
27.02.2009 Financial News transmitted by DGAP
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Language: English
Issuer: Fuchs Petrolub AG
Friesenheimer Str. 17
68169 Mannheim
Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)621 / 3802-0
Fax: +49 (0)621 / 3802-190
E-mail: contact-de.fpoc@fuchs-oil.de
Internet: www.fuchs-oil.de
ISIN: DE0005790406, DE0005790430
WKN: 579040, 579043
Indices: MDAX
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Stuttgart;
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München
End of News DGAP News-Service
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