Ad-hoc | 6 May 2004 00:59

AC-Service with Good Performance

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– AC-Service with Good Performance Sales after three months at EUR 11.6 million (prior year: EUR 13.3 million), EBIT at EUR 0.3 million (prior year: EUR 1.0 million), earnings per share of minus 1 euro cent (prior year: plus 12 euro cents). Positive signals from an expanded range of products and services. Strong balance sheet and high capital strength. Stuttgart, 6 May 2004 – In what continues to be a highly competitive market characterised by aggressive pricing, AC-Service posted sales revenues of EUR 11.6 million (prior year: EUR 13.3 million) in the first quarter of 2004 as an IT service provider focused on IT Outsourcing, Human Resource Services and SAP Consulting. Prior-year sales were exceptionally high due to special projects. The EBIT for the first quarter of 2004 of EUR 0.3 million (prior year: EUR 1.0 million) includes scheduled goodwill amortisation of EUR 0.2 million (prior year: EUR 0.2 million). The tax rate rose to 82% (prior year: 31%). The slight after-tax loss of EUR -0.04 million (prior year: EUR 0.6 million) resulted in a loss per share (IFRS) of 1 euro cent (prior year: earnings of 12 euro cents). In the course of the stock buy-back programme, the average number of shares in circulation declined from 5 269 732 to 5 180 286. AC-Service enjoys a strong and healthy balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 March 2004 totalled EUR 12.9 million (31 Dec 03: EUR 13.4 million), while the shareholders’ equity of EUR 26.3 million (31 Dec 03: EUR 26.4 million) accounts for 62% (31 Dec 03: 62%) of the balance sheet total of EUR 42.7 million (31 Dec 03: EUR 42.8 million). The average number of employees was 304 (prior year: 323) people. AC-Service registered positive impulses from its expanded range of products and services in the areas of operational management and licensing of mySAP-based standard software solutions, human resources consulting and ACCURAT Office personnel management software, which should become much more noticeable when an economic recovery sets in. In addition, the company was able to further tighten up and optimise cost structures and personnel on a long-term basis despite the extremely difficult economic environment. The healthy balance sheet, a high capital strength and a considerable financing potential all improve the good foundation for future business performance. Additional information available on the Internet at http://www.ac-service.com end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 05.05.2004 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 511000; ISIN: DE0005110001; Index: Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 060059 Mai 04