Ad-hoc | 10 March 2005 16:23
3U TELECOM AG: Preliminary figures 2004 and outlook 2005
Ad hoc announcement §15 WpHG
Financial Result
3U TELECOM AG: Preliminary figures 2004 and outlook 2005
Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
——————————————————————————
Marburg, March 10th, 2005 – According to preliminary figures the 3U group
recorded sales of 96.46mn EUR in 2004. This compares to 64.68mn EUR in the
previous year – an increase of 49.1%. These figures are mainly a result of the
acquisition of LambdaNet Communications AG as well as the first-time
consolidation of carrier24 GmbH as of year end, which provides the complete
network for our fixed-line business. The consolidation of carrier24 is
demanded by US GAAP regulation.
During Q4 2004 the fixed line segment recorded sales of 15.00mn EUR (Q3 2004:
17.21mn EUR). Sales of subsidiary LambdaNet (Broadband / IP segment) amounted
to 8.91mn EUR in Q4 2004 (Q3 2004: 9.35mn EUR). The first-time consolidation
of carrier24 contributed 3.17mn EUR to total sales in 2004.
EBITDA of the 3U group for the full year 2004 amounted to 4.07mn EUR (previous
year: 5.76mn EUR). While the EBITDA of minus 2.64mn EUR in Q4 2004 was again
negative in the fixed-line segment (Q3 2004: minus 0.49mn EUR), the subsidiary
LambdaNet was able to record an EBITDA of 1.25mn EUR in Q4 2004 (Q3 2004:
1.83mn EUR).
The net loss of the 3U group in 2004 was 29.15mn EUR (net income 2003: 1.73mn
EUR) and was mainly determined – after extraordinary goodwill amortization in
Q2 2004 – by non-liquidity related one-time effects in Q4 2004. During this
period the group recorded in total a net loss of minus 11.65mn EUR (following
a accumulated net loss of 17.50mn EUR at the end of Q3 2004). Net loss in Q4
2004 results from the consolidation effects of carrier24 GmbH, contributing
minus 4.58mn EUR for the full year 2004. The subsidiary LambdaNet recorded a
net loss of minus 4.42mn EUR in Q4 2004 due to scheduled depreciation and
amortization (Q3 2004: minus 3.46mn EUR). In addition, the fixed-line segment
added a net loss of minus 2.66mn EUR during Q4 (Q3 2004: minus 1.10mn EUR, and
for full year 2004 minus 13.04mn EUR).
Net loss and the development of EBITDA in Q4 2004 are mainly a result of
restructuring costs for the subsidiaries as well as provisions for legal
issues and back duties as a result of a tax audit for the years 1999 through
2002.
As of December 31st, 2004 cash and cash equivalents remained stable with
39.81mn EUR in comparison to 39.60mn EUR at the end of Q3 2004.
For the fiscal year 2005 the 3U group expects an increase in sales of at least
10%, while EBITDA is expected to rise even stronger. The expectations are
based especially on intensified sales and marketing activities, lower cost
structures and a successful reorginization of the group, which should be fully
realized in 2005.
The company’s final figures for 2004 will be published on March 15th, 2005
with the release of the annual report.
Contact:
3U TELECOM AG
Ulrich Wiehle
Tel.: +49 (0)6421 999-1200
Fax: +49 (0)6421 999-1111
wiehle@3u.net
3U TELECOM AG
Neue Kasseler Str. 62 F
35039 Marburg
Deutschland
ISIN: DE0005167902
WKN: 516790
Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin-
Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover und Stuttgart
End of ad hoc announcement (c)DGAP 10.03.2005
101623 Mär 05