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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

Heidelberg increases sales by more than 15 percent to Euro 5.3 billion
Preliminary figures for the 2000/2001 fiscal year - profit exceeds expectations

Heidelberg, Germany (ots)

Sales at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen
AG (Heidelberg) rose in the year ending March 31, 2001 by more than
15% to Euro 5.3 billion (previous year: Euro 4.6 billion). This
impressive result means that the company has further extended its
leading position in the graphic arts industry. "With this new record,
we have shown that we are by far the world's favorite business
partner for manufacturers of professional print media", stated
Bernhard Schreier, Chairman of the Management Board of Heidelberger
Druckmaschinen AG. Incoming orders exhibited pleasing growth in all
divisions, standing at around Euro 5.5 billion. This was 18% higher
than the comparable figure for the previous year, which had also been
characterized by strong growth (just under Euro 4.7 billion).
"The results have exceeded our expectations. We have increased our
operating profit by 10% from Euro 463 million to Euro 506 million",
explained Dr. Herbert Meyer, CFO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.
The Heidelberg Group's 
provisional net profit increased from Euro 251 million to Euro 283
million after adjustment and, after accounting for special
influences, totaled Euro 343 million.
The non-recurring item of around Euro 60 million net (around Euro
100 million before tax) is due to the use of new accounting
procedures for special investment funds.
In contrast to previous years, special funds are no longer listed
in the historical acquisition costs of around Euro 280 million.
Instead, the shares, marketable securities, liquid cash and bonds
held by the funds are listed at their market values of around Euro
380 million. The earnings per share rose from Euro 2.91 to Euro 3.29
after adjustment.
The number of staff employed by the Heidelberg Group rose from
24,177 to 25,936 (as at March 31), primarily due to the extension of
the service and sales network.
Impressive double-figure growth rates for divisions and regions
In the 2000/2001 fiscal year, sales in all divisions were
influenced by the highly favorable economic development and by the
high number of incoming orders at drupa in May 2000.
Sales in the Digital division rose by just under 16% from Euro 659
million to some Euro 763 million. The Sheetfed division (sheetfed
offset presses) also continued its success story, with sales
increasing from Euro 2.8 billion to Euro 3.3 billion - a growth of
almost 17%. Heidelberg's Web division achieved sales of Euro 801
million which, when compared to Euro 695 million last year,
represents a growth of more than 15%. In the Finishing division,
sales rose from Euro 398 million to Euro 408 million.
Heidelberg experienced high demand from all regions. Despite the
economic slowdown in the second half of the last fiscal year, sales
in the NAFTA region rose by just under 16% to Euro 1.8 billion. In
Central Europe, Heidelberg once again reported high sales, achieving
a figure of Euro 1.9 billion. The Middle East/Africa, Asia/Pacific
and Central & South America regions demonstrated sales increases well
in excess of 30% compared with last year.
Asia/Pacific achieved almost Euro 1 billion in sales, making it
the third largest region. The highest percentage growth was seen in
Eastern Europe, with sales in the region growing by 53% to Euro 291
million.
Prospects for the future: Further increase in sales expected
"The economic slowdown affecting certain parts of the world has so
far had hardly any effect on our business. Because of this, we expect
a further increase in sales over the coming months", commented
Bernhard Schreier, speaking about the prospects for the current
fiscal year.
Heidelberg will announce further details of the 2000/01 fiscal
year at its Annual Accounts Press Conference on July 3, 2001 (10:00
am, Print Media Academy, Heidelberg).
Further information is available on the Internet at
www.journalist.heidelberg.com.
Heidelberg Group March 31, 2001    March 31, 2000    Change
                    in EURO million   in EURO million   in %
Sales           5,303             4,602             15.2%
   Digital           763               659             15.8%
   Sheetfed        3,331             2,849             16.9%
   Web               801               695             15.3%
   Finishing         408               398              2.5%
Incoming orders 5,537             4,694             18.0%
Operating profit  506               463              9.3%
Adjusted profits 
   after taxes       283               251             12.7%
   Profit after taxes, 
   incl. non-recurring 
   item              343
Earnings per share 
   (adjusted)       3.29 Euro         2.91 Euro        13.1%
Employees*     25,936            24,177              7.3%
Sales by region            
   Central Europe  1,914             1,910              0.2%
   NAFTA           1,794             1,550             15.7%
   Asia / Pacific    997               736             35.5%
   Eastern Europe    291               190             53.2%
   Central & 
   South America     163               111             46.8%
   Middle East / 
   Africa            144               104             38.5%
*Staffing level as of March 31
ots Original Text Service: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Internet: www.pressportal.de
For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Thomas Fichtl
Tel: +49 (0)6221- 92 4747
Fax: +49 (0)6221- 92 5069
E-mail:  thomas.fichtl@de.heidelberg.com

Original content of: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, transmitted by news aktuell