euro adhoc: Lenzing AG
Quarterly or Semiannual Financial Statements
/ Lenzing Achieves Satisfactory Result for First Semester 2003
Weak US dollar and cyclical development affect fiber market - Second
semester anticipated to be slacker (E)
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
With consolidated sales of EUR 301.4 mill. for the first semester 2003 (after EUR 311.0 mill. for the first semester 2002), the Lenzing Group succeeded in keeping the Group EBITDA (income before interest, taxes and depreciation), which amounted to EUR 57.9 mill. (after EUR 60.2 mill.), at nearly the same level as in the first semester 2002. Income from operations amounted to EUR 36.1 mill. and was once again at a good level (EUR 39.5 mill. for the first semester 2002). On account of an improved financial result, the net income before taxes and minority interest (EBT) rose by 14.6%, i.e. from EUR 35.0 mill. to presently EUR 40.1 mill.
The decrease in the US-dollar exchange rate, for example, has led to a considerable import pressure from Asia. On the other hand, products from the euro zone have become less competitive when being exported to Asia and the USA. Lenzing was able to offset this trend by further improving its product mix, by applying a tight cost management, as well as by taking measures to secure the foreign-exchange risk.
South Pacific Viscose (SPV), the Indonesian associate, can look back on a good first semester, in spite of the pressure on prices. The development at Lenzing Fibers Corporation (LFC), the US minority interest, continued to be unsatisfactory.
Lenzing Lyocell/Heiligenkreuz developed satisfactorily, thanks to a greater production volume, and because comprehensive marketing activities are beginning to show an impact.
Among the non-fiber-specific business sectors, Lenzing Technik succeeded in further expanding its sales and its result. Due to the cyclical development, Lenzing Plastics and Lenzing Paper obtained results that were below the very good values of the previous year. Moderate Outlook
The expansion of capacities at Lenzing to 200,000 tons of fibers per year, as well as at Heiligenkreuz to 40,000 tons is proceeding according to plan. The additional capacities will become available in the course of the year 2004 and will contribute to further securing the world-market position and the good cost position of the Lenzing Group.
The second semester of the year 2003 will be difficult for the fiber industry. Considerable stocks of yarn have been accumulated throughout the world, cotton and Polyester fiber prices are low, while demand continues to be slack - these factors affect prices. An upturn may be expected in the course of the fourth quarter, at the earliest. Altogether, Lenzing expects that the result for fiscal 2003 will be below that of the previous year.
Important Key Data for the First Semester 2003
according to US-GAAP (on a Group basis)
~
1st semester 2002 1st semester 2003
(in EUR mill.) (in EUR mill.)
Sales 311.0 301.4
EBITDA 60.2 57.9
EBIT 39.5 36.1
Net income before taxes
and minority interest (EBT) 35.0 40.1
Net income 23.1 28.0
~end of announcement euro adhoc 26.08.2003
Further inquiry note:
Angelika Guldt
Branche: Chemicals
ISIN: AT0000644505
WKN: 064450
Index: WBI
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official dealing
Berliner Wertpapierbörse / free trade
Bayerische Börse / free trade
Baden-Württembergische Wertpapierbörse / free trade
Original content of: Lenzing AG, transmitted by news aktuell