Ad-hoc | 10 February 2003 06:46

Bechtle AG english

Interim figures for 2002: pre-tax earnings up 25% on previous year Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Interim figures for 2002: pre-tax earnings up 25% on previous year Gaildorf, 10.2.2003. Interim figures (US GAAP) for Bechtle, which is listed on the Prime Standard, reveal that, with an EBT of over 18 million euros, its performance is more than 25% up on that of the previous year (14.4 million euros) and has thus well exceeded its own expectations, which assumed earnings would increase to slightly above the level of the previous year. The reason for this unforeseen growth in earnings was the excellent development of its business, particularly abroad, which turned out to be far better than had been expected. By refusing to go out for business whatever the cost, as previously announced, Bechtle accepted a drop in sales, so that sales revenues at over 750 million euros (previous year: 641.5 million euros, up 17%) are below earlier expectations of 765-780 million euros. However, the pre-tax earnings that are now reported despite a sluggish market confirms the wisdom of this strategy. The comparative figure, taking into account the elimination of goodwill amortisation and the recently adopted amortisation of the customer base (following changes in US GAAP), is 18.9 million euro (previous year 17.9). Bechtle will present the final figures at the accounts press conference on 25th March in Stuttgart. Contact: ir@bechtle.com, Tel: +49 7971/950224, +49 7971/950229 www.bechtle.com end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 10.02.2003 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 515870; ISIN: DE0005158703; Index: Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 100646 Feb 03