Ad-hoc | 20 August 2001 07:55

Palfinger AG english

Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Palfinger Group again posts double-digit growth o Diversification pays off as economy falters o Madal acquisition opens way to South America o Capital increase improves capital structure Vienna, 20 August 2001 Palfinger’s vigorous growth continued in the first half of 2001. Despite the decline in sales of truck cranes, revenue climbed by 14.8 percent to EUR 180.0m and operating profits (EBIT) rose by 11.8 percent to EUR 25.7m. This improvement in performance proves the correctness of Palfinger’s multi-product strategy, as well as demonstrating the success of its new products, such as hook loaders, tailgates and the Mobiler range. The profit before tax increased by 13.1 percent to EUR 23.5m, while the consolidated net profit for the first half-year amounted to EUR 15.4m. Compared with the same period last year, this represents an increase of 13.8 percent. Earnings per share rose to EUR 1.67. Adjusting for the capital increase in June 2001, this represents a year-on-year increase amounting to 13.6 percent. For the business year 2001, Management is predicting continuing growth for the Palfinger Group, coming principally from the new products, hook loaders, tailgates and the Mobiler range, as well as from Madal. However, business developments in Europe and the Americas can be expected to have a significant effect on the final results. Despite an excellent second quarter, any further slowdown in the global economy is bound to impact on Group profits. Contact: Hannes Roither Palfinger AG Public & Investor Relations +43 (0)662 4684 2260 h.roither@palfinger.com end of ad hoc announcement (c) DGAP 20.08.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 075830; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Handel in Wien; Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldof Frankfurt und Stuttgart 200755 Aug 01