SW Umwelttechnik Stoiser & Wolschner AG
euro adhoc: SW Umwelttechnik Stoiser & Wolschner AG
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SW Umwelttechnik
posts record order books despite difficult trading conditions
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order intake
31.01.2008
Klagenfurt, 31 January 2008 - SW Umwelttechnik is playing a key role in infrastructure renewal in Central and Southeastern Europe (CSE). Despite difficult economic conditions, particularly in Hungary and Romania, the group posted excellent order backlog of E44 million (m) at year end - almost double the total on 31 December 2006 (E26m). The broader outlook is also good, with further infrastructure contracts expected to be won in Romania from the summer onwards.
SW Umwelttechnik encountered very strong order intake in Hungary in the fourth quarter of 2007, despite the fact that the government has scaled back public investment in infrastructure due to budget consolidation measures. Contracts were signed for the supply and construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in south Budapest (E2.5m) and a shopping centre in Kaposvar (E1.6m). SW Umwelttechnik also won orders for flood protection schemes worth a total of E1.8m for the Szentes and Mako municipalities. The group's investments in Hungary have given it a very strong cost base as a platform for extending its market leadership there.
In Romania the sharp devaluation of the leu towards the end of last year led to an increase in net finance cost. Remeasurement at balance sheet date of investments made during the summer gave rise to a considerable book loss as a result of the lower exchange rate. Nevertheless the Romanian expansion strategy has shown its worth. Capacity utilisation at the new factory in Bucharest is already ahead of forecast due to excellent order intake, particularly from commercial and industrial customers. Heavy municipal investments in sewerage systems and roads is expected to get under way once substantial EU funding is released in mid-2008.
SW Umwelttechnik has pressed ahead with rigorous restructuring programmes in Austria, and turnaround has been achieved. A year-on-year increase in order books means that the improvement in the results of the Austrian operations is set to continue.
Thanks to the near-doubling of order backlog to E44m (31 Dec. 2006: E26m) SW Umwelttechnik is well placed to hit its earnings targets for 2008. Following last year's record E25m capital expenditure, the group is now concentrating on improving operating results.
Founded in 1910, SW Umweltechnik remains a family business, though it has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1997. The company is widely identified with sustainable enterprise and rapid expansion in Central and Southeastern Europe. Its innovative environmental technology products are contributing to infrastructure renewal in CSE countries. SW Umwelttechnik employs a total of 800 people at 16 sites, and returned revenue of over E100m in 2006.
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Dr. Bernd Wolschner
Member of the Management Board
Tel: +43 (0)7259 31350
Fax: +43 (0)463 37667
Romed Lackner
Investor Relations & Marketing
Tel: +43 (0)664 8117670
Fax: +43 (0)463 37667170
E-mail: romed.lackner@sw-umwelttechnik.com
Website: www.sw-umwelttechnik.com
Branche: Technology
ISIN: AT0000808209
WKN: 910497
Index: WBI
Börsen: Börse Berlin / free trade
Börse Frankfurt / free trade
Wiener Börse AG / Regulated free trade