Ad-hoc | 13 August 2002 08:22

United Labels AG english

UNITEDLABELS with strong second quarter Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– UNITEDLABELS with strong second quarter – 23% revenue growth compared with Q2/2001 – Positive EBIT in second quarter – Substantial increase in cash and cash equivalents (Münster, 13 August 2002) – UNITEDLABELS AG (DE 0005489561), the Münster-based specialist for comicware sold under licence, recorded a 23% year-on-year increase in its consolidated revenues for the second quarter of 2002, taking this figure to EUR 8.5 million (previous year: EUR 6.9 million). Furthermore, UNITEDLABELS AG has posted above-par earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 0.3 million for the second quarter of 2002 (previous year: loss of EUR 1.6 million). In the first six months of the financial year, revenues totalled EUR 15.9 million (previous year: EUR 14.9 million), with a loss before interest and taxes of EUR 0.2 million (previous year: loss of EUR 1.6 million). Cash and cash equivalents were considerably higher than in the previous quarter. As at June 30, 2002, UNITEDLABELS AG had at its disposal cash and cash equivalents of EUR 3.6 million (previous quarter: EUR 2.8 million). Based on this performance, UNITEDLABELS AG has reaffirmed its targets for the full 2002 financial year, both in terms of revenue performance and positive earnings. For further information, please visit http://www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: UNITEDLABELS AG Katarina Orlovic (IR/PR) Gildenstr. 6, D – 48157 Münster Tel.: +49 (0) 251-3221-406, Fax: +49 (0) 251-3221-960 korlovic@unitedlabels.com end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 13.08.2002 Issuer’s information/explanatory remarks concerning this ad-hoc-announcement: UNITEDLABELS records strong second quarter – 23% revenue growth compared with same period last year – positive EBIT in second quarter – expansion of international specialist retail business (Münster, 13 August 2002) – In the second quarter of 2002, UNITEDLABELS AG, a specialist for comicware sold under licence, recorded revenue growth of 23%. In the first half of 2002 revenues rose by 7% to EUR15.9 million (previous year: EUR14.9 million). Supported by incisive cost-cutting measures, the company achieved a considerable improvement in the percentage of cost of materials in relation to sales, in addition to reducing staff costs. Compared with the previous year (previous year: minus EUR1.6 million), UNITEDLABELS also generated substantially higher operating profit of EUR0.3 million. Cost-reduction programme enters second phase In November 2001, UNITEDLABELS initiated a three-stage programme aimed at reining back costs. Whereas the last few months were characterised mainly by emergency cost-cutting measures, the company is now entering the second phase of the programme, which will be focusing on structural changes. These include the centralisation of business processes and, in parallel, the establishment of units that are solely responsible for sales. As part of these measures, the Münster-based enterprise transformed its entire IT structure in Germany into an integrated inventory control system. Gradually, its subsidiaries will also be included in this programme. “This represents an important step forward in terms of becoming a truly homogeneous international enterprise,” commented CEO and founder of UNITEDLABELS Peter M. Boder. The entire programme is to be completed by the end of 2003. Expansion of international specialist retail business Demand for comicware has developed much more favourably than that witnessed in the general consumer goods sector. Irrespective of the seasonal vagaries of the market, UNITEDLABELS AG’s revenue and order situation is a sign of the company’s strong potential. Although all consumer markets within the EU are faced with a tentative purchasing climate, UNITEDLABELS was able to expand its sales activities. The specialist retail sector in France and Portugal developed particularly positively. Indeed, this area is currently generating the highest growth rates. Sales activities were also accelerated in England. In preparation for the period leading up to Christmas, a particularly buoyant season in terms of income, UNITEDLABELS AG will be presenting its latest product offering from the world of comicware as part of major consumer trade fairs. Expansion of “Comicware Concept” Following the successful premiere of the strategic sales approach by the name of “ComicwareTM Concept” at last year’s Tendence trade fair, UNITEDLABELS AG has extended its offering within the area of POS presentations by introducing a new category. In addition to the Snoopy doghouse and the Sesame Street bus, retailers can now take advantage of a new Simpsons display. It goes without saying that the sales display for the world’s most famous television family – who, by the way, also enjoy watching TV – has been designed in line with the general Simpsons’ theme. “We are now supporting retailers with a wide range of POS solutions such as displays, catalogues and gift packaging, with the express purpose of enhancing purchasing frequency and customer loyalty,” says Boder. In addition, for the first time UNITEDLABELS is now presenting its comicware range in a 220-page catalogue, which allows retailers and comic fans to select their favourites from the comprehensive product offering. In time for this year’s premier trade-fair event, the “Tendence” exhibition held in Frankfurt, the company’s B2B Shop, “dealer online”, will once again be primed and ready for action. By visiting this portal, retailers can order products online from a range of more than 6,000 items, taking advantage of a 48-hour delivery service. Market development Stock markets have had to contend with a great deal of volatility. Nevertheless, Boder remains optimistic: “Our business model is as good as it was when we established this company, and we are committed to expanding our activities. This is something the markets simply cannot ignore.” And Germany’s Neue Markt remains a good stock market segment for UNITEDLABELS: “We joined the Neue Markt in order to ensure long-term growth. And that is why temporary troughs don’t faze us and most certainly won’t induce us to change our strategy,” emphasized Boder. The company’s management has forecast that the second half will be stronger than the first, in line with the general trend seen in previous years. “Our encouraging performance in the period under review, coupled with the projects already initiated within the area of sales, have prompted us to reaffirm our targets announced for the full financial year,” said Boder. UNITEDLABELS AG is Europe’s leading specialist for comicware sold under licence. The licensing partners working in cooperation with the independent media company from Münster (Germany) include global players from the world of media and entertainment, such as Disney, AOL-Time/Warner and 20th Century Fox. UNITEDLABELS is able to reach all age groups within the European market of licensed products, thanks to its successful portfolio of well-established classics, such as Snoopy and Sesame Street, and popular stars like The Simpsons and South Park. The company has already established the most comprehensive sales network in Europe, benefiting from 3,700 retail partners with 17,600 stores and more than 370 million consumers. For further information, photographs and logos, as well as the quarterly report, please visit http://www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: UNITEDLABELS AG, Katarina Orlovic (IR/PR) Gildenstr. 6, D-48157 Münster (Germany) Tel.: +49 251-3221-406, Fax: +49 251-3221-960, E-mail: korlovic@unitedlabels.com ——————————————————————————– WKN: 548956; ISIN: DE0005489561; Index: Listed: Neuer Markt in Frankfurt; Freiverkehr in Stuttgart, München, Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Düsseldorf und Hannover 130822 Aug 02