Augusta Technologie AG / Preliminary Results/Quarter Results
10.11.2009
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AUGUSTA publishes preliminary 9-month figures and defies the crisis with
double-digit profitability
- Decline in revenue (-17.9%) less than in other industrial sectors
- Double digit EBIT margin (10.1%) despite impact of one-time expenses
- Stable development in incoming orders
- Liquidity and equity remain at high level
- Forecast for 2009 as a whole confirmed
Munich, November 10, 2009. The economic crisis may have bottomed out around
the middle of the year, but a structural and sustainable upswing is not yet
in sight. In contrast to a large proportion of its competitors, AUGUSTA
Technologie AG (ISIN DE000A0D6612) was able to defy the crisis with
double-digit profitability and improve its market position in its
particular niche markets. At a total of EUR 77.1 million, consolidated
sales revenues were 17.9 percent down in the first nine months of the year
from the same period of the previous year (EUR 93.9 million), whereby Q3
revenue at EUR 24.8 million was slightly up on that of Q2 (EUR 24.7
million). The gross profit fell by 21.4 percent to EUR 29.9 million
(previous year: EUR 38.1 million). Nevertheless, the gross margin remained
high at 38.8 percent (previous year: 40.5 percent) due to the optimization
of production costs in terms of both materials and personnel. Earnings
before interest and taxes (EBIT) declined to EUR 7.8 million (previous
year: EUR 14.2 million). Efficiency enhancement measures incurred one-time
expenses in the third quarter amounting to just under EUR 800,000, with the
result that the YTD EBIT margin temporarily fell to 10.1 percent (previous
year: 15.1 percent). Although accumulated incoming orders, at EUR 70.0
million, were below the level of the previous year (EUR 93.38 million),
incoming orders in Q3 nonetheless continued their recovery. Through to
September 30, 2009, order book came to EUR 38.5 million (previous year: EUR
44.0 million).
'We have reduced our operating costs and cut production costs On the other
hand, we are continually working on new products and securing new projects.
Thanks to our high-quality product portfolio and strong customer focus, we
have gained market share in our niche markets even during the crisis',
commented AUGUSTA CEO Amnon Harman.
Segment reporting
In the Sensors division revenues came to EUR 47.7 million in the first nine
months of 2009, a decline of 18.7 percent compared to the previous year
(EUR 58.6 million). At EUR 3.8 million, EBIT declined over the previous
year (EUR 9.3 million). One-time payments for extraordinary items amounting
to just under EUR 800,000 squeezed the EBIT margin in the third quarter
down to a single-digit level of around 8.0 percent (previous year: 15.8
percent).
At EUR 29.4 million, sales revenues in the Controls division were 16.6
percent less than the previous year's figures (EUR 35.3 million). Our
operating result (EBIT) through September, 30 2009 came to EUR 5.7 million
(previous year: EUR 7.2 million). Due to rigorous cost adjustments, the YTD
EBIT margin stood at a high 19.2 percent (previous year: 20.4 percent).
Key balance sheet figures show stability
Working capital improved by EUR 4.3 million to EUR 27.1 million over that
reported at the end of the 2008 fiscal year. AUGUSTA continues to have a
high equity ratio of 66.8 percent and cash and cash equivalents amounting
to EUR 16.9 million. 'The Group has liquidity resources - for acquisitions
as well - at its disposal. Furthermore, we have optimized our working
capital for all companies since the start of the year. This process will
also continue in the fourth quarter and have a positive impact on our
operating cash flow' reported AUGUSTA CFO Berth Hausmann. The cash flow
from operating activities amounted to EUR 8.1 million through September 30,
2009 (previous year: EUR 9.2 million).
Group's outlook for 2009 confirmed
AUGUSTA is sticking to the guidance previously communicated, with revenues
of EUR 104 million to EUR 110 million and an EBIT of EUR 10 million to EUR
13 million. 'Experience shows that the fourth quarter at AUGUSTA is our
strongest. 'We will finish the crisis year 2009 with a healthy double digit
EBIT margin. However, our plans are focused on the medium and long-term
prospects. Our concern here is further developing our strong customer
relationships and achieving differentiation through innovative products and
designs. In addition, we are concentrating on entering new regions and
markets,' Harman commented further on the prospects. The high level of
profitability in the crisis year 2009 will see AUGUSTA entering the next
upswing phase stronger than ever.
Key figures for the AUGUSTA Group
|[![CDATA[|[pre|]]]|]
In EUR million 9 months 2009 9 months 2008 Change
Sales revenues
Group 77.12 93.94 -17.9%
Sensors 47.69 58.65 -18.7%
Controls 29.42 35.29 -16.6%
EBIT
Group 7.75 14.17 -45.3%
Holding costs -1.68 -2.07 -19.0%
Sensors 3.82 9.27 -58.8%
Controls 5.66 7.21 -21.5%
Key figures
Net profit for the period 4.46 9.72 -54.1%
Earnings per share in EUR 0.60 1.23 -51.3%
Order income 70.01 93.38 -25.0%
Order book 38.52 44.00 -12.4%
|[![CDATA[|[/pre|]]]|]
The Company
AUGUSTA Technology AG is an integrated technology group with a focus on the
niche markets of sensor and automation technology.
In the Sensors division, the company develops, produces and sells sensor
systems for customer-specific applications. The product portfolio ranges
from the sale of individual pressure sensors to the development of complex
sensor and measuring systems. The main areas of application are medical
technology, industrial plant construction, the automotive industry, and the
aviation and aerospace industries.
The company's Controls division delivers solutions for process flow
automation and quality management. The application areas range from
industrial image processing to automation solutions for logistics and
special vehicles.
AUGUSTA's sales revenues totaled EUR 127.13 million in fiscal year 2008,
with earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of EUR 18.84 million.
AUGUSTA Technologie AG
Stefanie Zimmermann
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, D-81829 Munich
Tel.: +49 - (0)89 - 43 57 155 - 19
Fax: +49 - (0)89 - 43 57 155 - 77
E-mail: investor-relations@augusta-ag.com
10.11.2009 Financial News distributed by DGAP. Medienarchiv at |[![CDATA[|[a href="http://www.dgap-medientreff.de"|]www.dgap-medientreff.de|[/a|]]]|] and |[![CDATA[|[a href="http://www.dgap.de"|]www.dgap.de|[/a|]]]|]
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Language: English
Company: Augusta Technologie AG
Willy-Brandt-Platz 3
81829 München
Deutschland
Phone: +49-(0)89-4357155-19
Fax: +49-(0)89-4357155-56
E-mail: investor-relations@augusta-ag.de
Internet: www.augusta-ag.de
ISIN: DE000A0D6612, DE0003705992
WKN: A0D661, 370599
Indices: CDAX, PRIMEALL
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin, München, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart
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DGAP-News: Augusta Technologie AG: Preliminary 9-month figures 2009
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