ots Ad hoc-Service: Zapf Creation AG <DE0007806002>Zapf Creation AG: Record profit growth of 30 percent for financial year 2000 Dynamic growth continues in the first quarter of 2001
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Zapf Creation AG: Record profit growth of 30 percent for financial year 2000 Dynamic growth continues in the first quarter of 2001
Contrary to preliminary estimates presented during a press conference on January 31, 2001, Zapf Creation AG can look back on an even more profitable financial year 2000. Sales increased by 15 percent from EUR 143.9 million to EUR 164.9 million, while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) grew by 13 percent from EUR 20.7 million to EUR 23.4 million. The net income for the year increased even more significantly from EUR 11.8 million to EUR 15.3 million. This represents a profit increase of 30 percent. As a result, the company achieved earnings per share of EUR 1.93. "This repeated positive earnings development again allows us to pay a large dividend," said Rudolf Winning, chief financial officer of Zapf Creation AG. "Both the board of directors and the supervisory board will make the suggestion at the shareholders' meeting to distribute a dividend of EUR 0.60 per share."
"Based on the first quarter 2001, we expect our growth to continue." said Rudolf Winning. Sales in the first three months increased by 23 percent from EUR 21.8 million to EUR 26.7 million. As a result of higher restructuring costs, the EBIT decreased as planned by 9 percent from EUR 2.3 million to EUR 2.1 million, representing an EBIT margin of about 8 percent. "Due to our aggressive international expansion in the financial year 2000, on average we employed about 90 persons more during the previous year. According to our planning, this cost effect will level out over the entire financial year 2001," Winning said.
Zapf Creation AG expects sales to grow more than 21 percent to about EUR 200 million in the current financial year 2001 and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) to reach EUR 30 million (approx. +28 percent). This corresponds to an EBIT margin of 15 percent.
For further information, please contact: Zapf Creation AG, Monika Coliee, Director Investor Relations/Public Relations, Tel.: +49 (0) 9563 - 725-195. Additional information is also available at www.zapf-creation.com and in our more detailed press release, which is published at today's financial statements press conference.
WKN: 780600; Index: SDax Listed: Amtlicher Handel in Frankfurt (SMAX); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München und Stuttgart
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