Ad-hoc | 14 May 2002 07:31

plenum AG english

plenum AG: high margin of 10% recorded in Q1 Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– plenum AG: high margin of 10% recorded in Q1 – Net income for the period rises by over 40%, earnings per share by 30% – Organic growth of up to 35% expected for 2002 – EBITDA expected to increase by up to 25% in 2002 Wiesbaden, May 14, 2002- At EURO 12.0 million, plenum AG’s Q1 revenues were almost level with those in the previous year (EURO 12.6 million). EBITDA was very creditable measured against revenues, at EURO 1.2 million (previous year: EURO1.3 million). This means that the margin in our core business has returned to 10% for the first time since 1999. On a pro forma basis, excluding new venture, plenum systems Switzerland and with plenum Institut’s business reduced, but including the Stoll+Fischbach Group, which was acquired in fiscal year 2001, EBITDA increased by 20% to EURO1.0 million and the margin improved by 3 percentage points in comparison with the previous year’s 7%. Net income for the period rose by over 40% to almost EURO 0.8 million (previous year: EURO 0.5 million). Earnings per share thus improved by more than 30% to EURO 0.08 (previous year: EURO 0.06) for 9,577,068 no-par-value shares. The excellent earnings growth clearly demonstrates the success of the centralization measures carried out in the second half of 2001 and the consistent implementation of the cost reduction program in the area of administration. For example, the administrative cost ratio, which was 12% in previous year’s quarter and 16% in the previous quarter, was reduced to 8%. For fiscal year 2002, the Managing Board is expecting revenues in the range of EURO 70 to 80 million and therefore organic growth of up to 35% on a pro forma basis in comparison with the previous year (EURO 59.8 million). Revenue growth will be seen mainly in the second half of the year, as plenum should then be taking over the lead management of selected large projects as a strategic partner for large customers. The earnings forecast (EBITDA) is in the range of EURO 5.5 to 6.3 million, which corresponds to a year-on-year increase (previous year: EURO 5.1 million) of up to 25%. plenum will be presenting more detailed information on its business development at its financials press conference today. end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 14.05.2002 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 690100; ISIN: DE0006901002; Index: Listed: Neuer Markt Frankfurt; Freiverkehr in Düsseldorf, München, Hamburg, Berlin, Bremen, Hannover und Stuttgart 140731 Mai 02