Corporate | 11 August 2009 08:30


Masterflex AG reports figures for H1 2009

Masterflex AG / Half Year Results/Miscellaneous

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PRESS RELEASE

Masterflex AG reports figures for H1 2009

  - Focus on High-Tech Hose Systems - Group restructuring proceeding well

  - Economic crisis cushioned through early cost savings 

  - Earnings impacted by restructuring costs, positive operating EBIT

  - Significant positive cash flow

  - Debt financing secured


                                           30 Jun.      30 Jun.
Continued business units (IFRS)               2009         2008       +/-
Revenue (EUR thou.)                           36,586       45,563    -19.7%
Consolidated EBITDA (EUR thou.)                1,821        5,834    -68.8%
Consolidated EBIT (EUR thou.)
excluding restructuring costs                   72        2,380    -97.0%
including restructuring costs               -1,455        2,318
Consolidated EBT (EUR thou.)                  -3,251       -5,015    -35.2%
Consolidated net income
after minority interests (EUR thou.)          -2,452       -2,469     -0.7%
Earnings per share (EUR)
From continued business units                -0.56        -0.82    -31.7%
From discontinued business units              0.00         0.26
From continued and discontinued
business units                               -0.56        -0.56
Consolidated EBIT margin
excluding restructuring costs                 0.0%         5.2%
including restructuring costs                -4.0%         5.1%
Consolidated return on sales                 -6.7%        -5.4%
Number of employees                            697          758     -8.0%
                                           30 Jun.      31 Dec.
                                              2009         2008   +/- in %
Consolidated equity (EUR thou.)               12,441       14,840    -16.2%
Consolidated total assets (EUR thou.)         96,114      101,475     -5.3%
Consolidated equity ratio (%)                12.9%        14.6%    -11.6%


Gelsenkirchen, 11 August 2009. Masterflex AG's business development in the first half of 2009 was dominated by its ongoing restructuring process and the economic crisis. Consolidated revenue decreased by 19.7% year-on-year to EUR36.6 million. Revenue in the core High-Tech Hose Systems business unit remained at the level recorded in the first quarter of 2009, albeit down on the previous year. While the Medical Technology and Mobility business units recorded largely stable revenue development, Surface Technology again reported a significant decline. As Masterflex AG started to implement extensive cost-cutting measures in late 2008, the Company has succeeded in protecting its operations from substantial negative earnings consequences to a large extent. However, the costs of the successful ongoing restructuring process and, in particular, to secure the Company's continued debt financing were unexpectedly high. Despite this, Masterflex AG again succeeded in breaking even in terms of operating EBIT. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were positive at EUR1.8 million, while consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) totalled EUR72.0 thousand. After restructuring effects, EBIT amounted to EUR-1.5 million. This includes a EUR1.2 million reduction in inventories, which had a positive liquidity effect, and legal and consultancy fees in the amount of EUR1.5 million. In the first half of 2009, Masterflex AG generated an operating cash flow of EUR2.7 million and further reduced its debt. The loan extension by the financing banks until 30 June 2010 means that the Company can focus on the orderly restructuring of its debt finance and the expansion of its core High-Tech Hose Systems business unit. Despite the difficult environment at present, the Executive Board believes that Masterflex AG is well positioned for the future thanks to its innovative product range and the comprehensive measures implemented with a view to cushioning the impact of the economic crisis. Consolidated revenue is expected to decline in the 2009 financial year as a result of the economic situation. Further significant restructuring costs are expected on the earnings side. In light of the cost savings initiated to date, however, the Executive Board cautiously expects Masterflex AG to be able to generate moderately positive consolidated operating earnings before interest and taxes, albeit with the proviso that the Company is exposed to some risks that are difficult to assess. This development could be tempered by an economic upturn in the second half of the year. The H1 2009 interim report is available for download at www.masterflex.de. For further information: Masterflex AG, Investor Relations, Willy-Brandt-Allee 300, D-45891 Gelsenkirchen, Germany, stephanie.kniep@masterflex.de, Tel. +492099707744, Fax +492099707720 Company information: In its core High-Tech Hose Systems business, Masterflex AG is a specialist for the worldwide development and production of high-quality connector and hose systems using innovative high-tech plastics. Since its establishment in 1987, the company has developed a high level of materials and processing expertise. Masterflex deals with the entire process chain, from the application of materials, through the development of its own manufacturing processes with self-constructed machinery, right through to the production and distribution of its products. With seven locations in Europe and the USA, the company produces and distributes High-Tech Hose Systems for a wide range of industrial applications, from the extraction of extremely abrasive materials to suction of chemicals and hot air. Masterflex AG also operates in the areas of Mobility, Medical Technology and Surface Technology (Advanced Material Design). 11.08.2009 Financial News transmitted by DGAP ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Issuer: Masterflex AG Willy-Brandt-Allee 300 45891 Gelsenkirchen Deutschland Phone: +49 (0)2099 70 77-44 Fax: +49 (0)2099 70 77-20 E-mail: stephanie.kniep@masterflex.de Internet: www.masterflex.de ISIN: DE0005492938 WKN: 549 293 Indices: Prime all share Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, München, Hamburg, Stuttgart End of News DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------