Ad-hoc | 25 February 1999 07:51

Ad hoc-Service: SW Umwelttechnik Prov. figure

Ad hoc-Mitteilung übermittelt durch die DGAP. Für den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist allein der Emittent verantwortlich. —————————————————————————— SW Umwelttechnik: provisional figures for 1998 Sales boosted by 52% and net profit more than doubled SW Umwelttechnik continued to expand successfully in 1998 – increases in sales and profit due to acquisitions in the core business environmental technology. SW Umwelttechnik group’s sales amounted to ATS 530.7 million in 1998, an increase of 52% in comparison with last year and higher than expected. ATS 425 million (80% of sales) were accounted for by the core business environmental technology, ATS 47 million (9% of sales) by natural building materials and ATS 59 million (11% of sales) by other products. The most important markets for SW Umwelttechnik are Hungary, with a share of 54% of sales, and Austria with 41%. In the year under review, Biogest Abwassertechnik/Vienna and OMS Hungaria were acquired, both engineering companies active in the field of sewage treatment. These acquisitions further strengthened the market position of SW Umwelttechnik in its business area enviromental technology. The EBIT increased slightly to ATS 36.8 million. The EBIT-margin fell to 7% (10% in 1997) due to the declining market situation for natural building materials and intensified competition in Hungary. The EBT (earnings before tax) was raised to ATS 56.1 million from ATS 39.9 million in 1997. This is a consequence of the increase in the financial result to ATS 19.3 million, mainly due to the partly sale of a non-core business unit. The net profit was pushed to ATS 48.1 million as planned, i.e. duplicated last year’s figures. The group’s results after minority interests reached ATS 33.3 million (1997: 27.6 million), including the increase in minority interests of the companies acquired in 1998. Due to the excellent 1998 results of SW Umwelttechnik the members of the board will suggest on the Annual General Meeting (May 20th, 1999) a dividend of ATS 15,- per share (nominal value ATS 100,- each). Figures in ATS million 1996 1997 1998* Sales 220.5 348.4 530.7 Operating performance 227.5 347.2 560.9 EBIT 19.3 35.9 36.8 EBT (Earnings before tax) 24.6 39.9 56.1 Net profit 20.1 22.1 48.1 Net profit acc. ÖVFA 15.7 30.9 45.0 Net profit acc. ÖFVA after minority interest 15.7 27.6 33.3 * Provisional group figures Prospects SW Umwelttechnik estimates that sales will grow to ATS 600 million in 1999. This is based on the current order backlog of ATS 270 million as well as on the margin- and volume increasing effects of successfully completed expansion- and rationalisation investments. SW Umwelttechnik will continue its very active acquisition policy in 1999, whereby a large amount of ready cash ensures optimal flexibility. Address any queries to: Heinz Wolschner, member of the board SW Umwelttechnik, Tel +43/463/32109-0, Fax +43/463/37667 Christian Riel, investor relations, Tel +43/664/433 71 05, Fax +43/463/37667 Ende der Mitteilung