euro adhoc: CHRIST WATER TECHNOLOGY AG
quarterly or semiannual financial
statement
CHRIST continues growth course in the first-half year 2007
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
6-month report
17.08.2007
Order intake +21% to EUR 133.4 million Order backlog +24% to EUR 183.5 million Sales +21% to EUR 132.5 million Net income +62% to EUR 2.7 million
The positive business climate and further development of the positioning of the Christ Water Technology Group is reflected in a significant increase in orders in the first half of 2007. New orders increased by 21% (EUR 133.4 million compared to EUR 110.6 million in the first half of 2006). This means that the orders on hand as at June 30, 2007 are at the same level as the first quarter but increased year-on-year by 24% from EUR 147.8 million to EUR 183.5 million.
"Thanks to the strategic positioning of CHRIST in water technology for global industries and municipalities, positive business performance continues to be reported from all business divisions and companies within the Group. This trend is continuing uninterrupted on the basis of enquiries and offers," says DDr. Karl Michael Millauer, Chairman of the Christ Water Technology Group.
Sales development in the reporting period was heavily influenced by the finalization and hand-over of existing major projects as well as by the increased demands made on capacities by new projects. Group sales increased year-on-year by 21% from EUR 109.2 million to EUR 132.5 million in the first half of 2007, and clearly exceeded the existing record figure for the 1st quarter (EUR 63 million) with a 2nd quarter figure of EUR 69.4 million.
On the whole, company results developed slightly more positively than sales growth. EBITDA increased year-on-year by 28% from the previous year´s figure of EUR 4.4 million to EUR 5.6 million. EBIT improved by 34% from EUR 3.0 million to EUR 4.1 million. Heavy growth in earnings was slowed down mainly by cost overshooting in some projects in the Ultrapure Water division. By contrast, the remaining business divisions exhibit improved earnings without exception.
Earnings before tax experienced above-average growth of 70% to reach a figure of EUR 4.0 million (previous year: EUR 2.4 million) due to offsetting of the financial result. After minorities, this results in net income for the period of EUR 2.7 million (previous year: EUR 1.6 million) for the shareholders in the company, or EUR 0.15 per share compared to EUR 0.09 the previous year.
Group equity (including minority shares) increased in comparison to December 31, 2006 from EUR 43.2 million to EUR 46.0 million. Cash flow from operating activities is influenced by the settlement status in project business, and amounts to EUR -12.8 million (previous year: EUR -0.7 million) due to the increase in working capital requirements. Cash flow from investment activities amounted to EUR -4.4 million.
Outlook
Based on the current orders as well as the continuing positive project activity in all CHRIST divisions, which led to the conclusion of significant orders at the start of the 3rd quarter, growth in volume and earnings is expected to continue. The restructuring successes in business units which have so far been negative as well as the improvement in the project mix have a positive effect on income. The ongoing heavy demand for sea water desalination projects can create a strong, growing business division in CHRIST through the winning of reference plants. The rise in working capital requirements in project business has not yet been adjusted as necessary, and will only change slowly in the coming months due to the project-specific payment modalities in selected major projects. All new projects show improved payment conditions. On the basis of the results for the first half of 2007 and the continuing dynamism in all business fields, the Management Board expects Group sales to exceed the EUR 250 million-mark and EBIT to grow at a disproportionate rate to the rise in sales.
end of announcement euro adhoc 17.08.2007 07:30:00
Further inquiry note:
Christ Water Technology AG
Ralf Burchert
ralf.burchert@christ-water.com
P. +43 6232 5011 1113
Branche: Biotechnology
ISIN: AT0000499157
WKN: 675399
Index: WBI, ATX Prime
Börsen: Wiener Börse AG / official market