ots Ad hoc-Service: Wienerberger Baustoffind. <AT0000831706> First Six Months 2000 (German version below)
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Wienerberger Press Release - First Six Months 2000 (German version below)
Directed expansion of the building materials portfolio and a wide range of optimization measures made the first six months of 2000 highly successful for Wienerberger. While sales rose by 41% to EUR 840.2 million, EBIT increased by an even higher 66% to EUR 133.9 million. Growth in the building materials segment was particularly strong; sales increased by 45% to EUR 731.9 million and EBIT by 103% to EUR 99.0 million.
in EUR million 1-6/1999 1-6/2000 Change in % Sales 594.8 840.2 +41 EBITDA 136.5 209.0 +53 EBITA 82.7 140.8 +70 EBIT (Operating Profit) 80.8 133.9 +66 EBIT Margin in % 13.6 15.9 - Profit before tax 78.7 118.2 +50 Net income 61.8 94.4 +53 Capital expenditures and 168.3 176.9 +5 acquisitions
EVA 21.2 43.5 >100
The largest increase in sales was registered in our key growth region, the markets of East Europe, with 46% to EUR 128.0 million. Strong performance was also recorded in our newest market, the USA, which generated sales of EUR 149.1 million during the first six months of this year. With a contribution of 18% to sales, North America has become one of the main markets for Wienerberger products in the course of a year. Developments in Germany, however, failed to meet expectations. Price and volume increases remained below forecast because of stagnation in new construction and continuing excess capacity in the new provinces.
For the 2000 business year, we expect excellent performance in East Europe and the USA to support a decisive improvement in earning power in spite of unexpectedly demanding market conditions, especially in Germany, and a sharp rise in energy costs. We also see considerable potential in the connection of the old and new economies, and opportunities offered by new technologies through the Internet. For this reason, we have founded an E-Competence Center, which will be responsible for the coordination and development of E-business activities in the Wienerberger Group.
For detailed information and download of the interim financial statements, visit our website: www.wienerberger.com or contact:
Wienerberger Baustoffindustrie AG Thomas Melzer, Investor Relations Officer Tel.: +43 (1) 60192-471 (463) E-Mail: investor@wienerberger.com
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Original content of: Wienerberger AG, transmitted by news aktuell