Ad-hoc | 15 October 2003 19:26

CeoTronics AG english

Report on the 1st Quarter 03/04 Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Report on the 1st Quarter 03/04 Revenue growth despite extremely poor economic environment and massive public- sector budget deficit / Police special units invest in CeoTronics digital technology / Positive cash flow / Marketing campaign launched for new systems Despite the extremely poor global economic environment in many areas and the precarious financial situation in the public sector, Prime Standard-listed CeoTronics AG Audio Video Data Communication (ISIN: DE0005407407) increased consolidated revenues (U.S. GAAP) by 2.4% year-on-year in the traditionally slow-moving 1st quarter of fiscal year 03/04. Digital radio systems for law enforcement in CeoTronics’ priority markets accounted for a major share. EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and goodwill Amortization/impairment) fell by -28 TEuro, from -107 TEuro in the first quarter of the previous year to -135 TEuro. EBIT increased over the same period by 10 TEuro, from -263 TEuro to -253 TEuro. The net loss after taxes decreased by 41 TEuro year-on-year, from -314 TEuro to -272 TEuro. The cash flow increased in the reporting period by 4 TEuro from -158 TEuro to -154 TEuro in the previous period. The net loss per share increased to 0.13 Euro per share, compared with a net loss of 0.15 Euro per share in the prior-year period. Group equity amounted to 9,430 TEuro at the close of the quarter, and the equity ratio was 68% (previous period: 71%). The order backlog at August 31, 2003 was up 127% quarter-on-quarter. end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 15.10.2003 Issuer’s information/explanatory remarks concerning this ad-hoc-announcement: The 1st quarter of CeoTronics fiscal year commences on June 1. This quarter reflects the vacation months of June, July, and August, in which revenues and earnings are weak, but full-quarter fixed costs are incurred. For more than 18 years, this seasonal effect means that CeoTronics generates only around 2/3 of average quarterly revenues in its first quarter. Earnings rose despite special factors, such as the one-time costs of workforce restructuring. Without these special factors, we would actually have an even greater exceeded the satisfactory prior-year period earnings to an even greater extent. CeoTronics is sticking to its target of “positive earnings despite possibly slower revenue growth.” “In light of the economic environment, we are satisfied with the results of operations. We assume that revenues and earnings will improve further in the coming quarters, driven by the good order backlog, the high level of offer volumes, the tenders that will soon be awarded, and the marketing campaign for new products/systems,” explained Board of Management Chairman and CEO Thomas H. Günther. Further information: CeoTronics AG Audio Video Data Communication Investor Relations Adam-Opel-Straße 6 63322 Rödermark Germany Phone: +49(0)6074/8751-722 Fax: +49(0)6074/8751-720 E-Mail: vorstand@ceotronics.com Internet: http://www.ceotronics.com ——————————————————————————– WKN: 540740; ISIN: DE0005407407; Index: Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 151926 Okt 03