Ad-hoc | 15 November 2004 07:38

UNITEDLABELS posts improved results for first nine months

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Ad hoc announcement of UNITEDLABELS AG in accordance with Section 15 WpHG – November 15, 2004 Segment: Retail, WKN: 548956, Ticker Symbol: ULC UNITEDLABELS posts improved results for first nine months – EBIT substantially above par – Consolidated revenue slightly lower year on year – Considerable order backlog for fourth quarter (Münster, November 15, 2004) – UNITEDLABELS AG (DE 0005489561), an enterprise specialising in comicware sold under licence, generated consolidated revenues of EUR 24.5 million in the first nine months of the 2004 financial year (9M 2003: EUR 25.3 million). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to EUR 0.4 million, compared with EUR 0.1 million in the same period a year ago. Consolidated profits after taxes also edged upwards, totalling minus EUR 0.1 million (9M 2003: minus EUR 0.2 million). Thus, UNITEDLABELS AG was able to emulate its performance of the first two quarters. This is also reflected in substantially higher cash flow from operating activities, which rose markedly year on year to EUR 1.9 million (9M 2003: minus EUR 2.2 million). In the third quarter itself, consolidated revenue amounted to EUR 8.5 million (Q3 2003: EUR 10.5 million), while EBIT totalled EUR 0.1 million (Q3 2003: EUR 0.2 million). The order backlog at the reporting date was EUR 13.5 million (Sept. 30, 2003: EUR 9.7 million). Of this total, EUR 11.2 million is attributable to the fourth quarter. For further information, please visit http://www.unitedlabels.com or contact the following member of staff: UNITEDLABELS AG Holger Pentz Gildenstr. 6 D – 48157 Münster Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 251-3221-405 Fax: +49 (0) 251-3221-965 hpentz@unitedlabels.com end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 15.11.2004 Issuer’s information/explanatory remarks concerning this ad-hoc-announcement: UNITEDLABELS posts improved results for first nine months – EBIT substantially above par – Consolidated revenue slightly lower year on year – Considerable order backlog for fourth quarter (Münster, November 15, 2004) – UNITEDLABELS AG (DE 0005489561), an enterprise specialising in comicware sold under licence, generated consolidated revenues of EUR 24.5 million in the first nine months of the 2004 financial year (9M 2003: EUR 25.3 million). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose to EUR 0.4 million, compared with EUR 0.1 million in the same period a year ago. Consolidated profits after taxes also edged upwards, totalling minus EUR 0.1 million (9M 2003: minus EUR 0.2 million). Thus, UNITEDLABELS AG succeeded in bolstering its earnings performance despite a slight year-on-year decline in revenues. The positive trend witnessed over the first two quarters continues. This is also reflected in substantially higher cash flow from operating activities, which rose markedly year on year to EUR 1.9 million (9M 2003: minus EUR 2.2 million). In the third quarter itself, consolidated revenue amounted to EUR 8.5 million (Q3 2003: EUR 10.5 million), while EBIT totalled EUR 0.1 million (Q3 2003: EUR 0.2 million). The order backlog at the reporting date was EUR 13.5 million (Sept. 30, 2003: EUR 9.7 million). Of this total, EUR 11.2 million is attributable to the fourth quarter. When asked to comment on future activities, Peter M. Boder, CEO of UNITEDLABELS AG, explained: “We have already laid the groundwork for the fourth quarter, and now our main focus is on producing solid year-end results.” The company’s performance in the first nine months benefited from a number of new projects. In Spain, for instance, it successfully launched products centred around the two new licences Elles and Witch. In Hong Kong, additional external sales were generated with the help of “Best of”, an exclusive range of chinaware, such as espresso cups, plates and milk jugs, featuring Mickey and Snoopy designs. “In ‘Best of’ we have created a product range that we are currently marketing on a global scale. In fact, our popular chinaware range is now even available as far afield as Taiwan and South Africa,” said Peter M. Boder. UNITEDLABELS AG has also established a powerful product offering to coincide with the very popular “Seven Dwarfs” movie release. The company’s key account customers have already ordered hats, T-shirts and socks. Given the company’s commitment to excellence, it comes as no surprise that UNITEDLABELS AG once again received a number of accolades. “In November, we received coveted awards for our ‘Best of’ packaging design as well as for the implementation of this brand. Furthermore, the world’s largest licensing association LIMA selected UNITEDLABELS as Germany’s Licensee of 2004,” said CEO Peter M. Boder. UNITEDLABELS AG is one of Europe’s leading specialists for comicware sold under licence. The licensing partners working in cooperation with the independent media company include global players from the world of media and entertainment, such as Disney, AOL/TimeWarner 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, Disney and Sesame Street, and popular stars like The Simpsons, Bob the Builder and SpongeBob SquarePants. UNITEDLABELS has already established a comprehensive European sales network for comicware. In Europe, the company works in close cooperation with prominent retailers such as Metro, El Corte Inglés and Auchan, thus accessing around 30,000 stores as distribution channels. 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 Holger Pentz Gildenstr. 6 D-48157 Münster Tel.: 0251-3221-405 Fax: 0251-3221-965 E-mail: hpentz@unitedlabels.com ——————————————————————————– WKN: 548956; ISIN: DE0005489561; Index: Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 150738 Nov 04