Ad-hoc | 22 May 2001 08:01

Ad hoc-Service: Südzucker AG english

Ad hoc announcement processed and transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Südzucker improves operating profit by 19% EPS rises 25% In the business year ended February 28, 2001 Südzucker Group increased operating profit by 19% to 392 (329) million Euro with sales of 4,664 (4,517) million Euro. Within the business segment sugar/sweeteners operating profit rose to 351 (271) million Euro with an operating margin of 11.B (9.6) % as a consequence of recovered world sugar prices, an excellent business development in Eastern Europe and a dynamic growth in specialities and functional food products. Key factor for the development of the business segment ice cream / frozen food were the ice cream sales which suffered during the second half of the business year – even in long term comparison – from extremly unfavourable weather conditions in the main season July and August. With unchanged sales of 1,692 (1,687) million Euro this business segment booked a decrease of operating profits to 41 (58) million Euro. Group earnings after taxes rose by 20% to 209 (174) million Euro. With an increase of earnigs per share by 25% to 1,35 (1.08) Euro/share Südzucker has acchievcd an even higher increase in results and exceeded its targets. XXX 2000/01 1999/2000 sales 4,664 Mio. Euro 4,517 Mio. Euro +3% operating profit 392 Mio. Euro 329 Mio. Euro +19% earnings after tax 209 Mio. Euro 174 Mio. Euro +20% earnings per share 1.35 Euro 1.08 Euro +25% Press meeting on results will be held at Friday, June 29, 2001 at Mannheim. end of ad hoc announcement (c) DGAP 22.05.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 729700; Index: MDAX Listed: Amtlicher Handel in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, München und Stuttgart; Freiverkehr in Hannover 220801 Mai 01