EANS-News: SMT Scharf AG off to a successful start to the new year with
substantial revenue and earnings growth
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Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely
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6-month report
Subtitle: Revenue up 66 % at EUR 25.3 million / EBIT rises 42 % to EUR 3.0
million / Order book of EUR 43.9 million at the end of March (+13 %)
Hamm (euro adhoc) - May 15, 2012 - SMT Scharf AG (German Securities Code [WKN]
575198, ISIN DE0005751986), technology and world market leader for rail-bound
railway systems for underground mines, has substantially increased its revenue
and earnings in the first quarter 2012. The Group generated revenue of EUR 25.3
million, representing a 66 % increase compared with the previous year's figure
of EUR 15.2 million. Markets outside Germany contributed 91 % of total revenue
(previous year: 87 %).
There was a similarly steep increase in earnings before interest and taxes
(EBIT), which rose by 42 % to EUR 3.0 million (previous year: EUR 2.1 million).
The EBIT margin stood at 11.9 % (based on operating income rather than revenue
as in the past), compared with a like-for-like 12.2 % in the first three months
of 2011. The cost of materials ratio rose slightly to 55 % (Q1/2011: 54 %),
while the personnel cost ratio which in previous year came in at 20 % declined
to 16 %. Taking into account a positive financial result, the Group reported a
consolidated result of EUR 2.4 million. This represents a 35 % increase compared
with the previous year's figure of EUR 1.8 million.
Not only the satisfying development of revenue and earnings, but also the strong
order book point to the sustained strength of demand in the SMT Scharf Group's
main markets. Orders on hand at the end of March at EUR 43.9 million were 13 %
higher than a year ago (previous year EUR 38.7 million).
Christian Dreyer who has been active as CEO of SMT Scharf AG since May 1, 2012
is pleased with the company's successful first quarter: "In spite of a volatile
economic environment we have nevertheless maintained the success seen in
previous years. We intend to continue to chart this course. The strong order
book is an indicator of the considerable market potential that we aim to exploit
as the year progresses."
The full report for the first quarter of 2012 will be available in the course of
the day at www.smtscharf.com, within the Investor Relations area.
Company profile
The SMT Scharf group develops, builds and maintains transportation equipment for
underground mining and tunneling. The main products are rail-bound railways
which are used all over the world, primarily in hard coal mines and underground
mines for gold, platinum and other metals. They are used to transport material
and personnel with working loads of up to 45 tons on inclines with gradients of
up to 35 degrees. SMT Scharf's other key products are roadheaders, equipment for
tunnel support and chairlifts. The SMT Scharf Group has subsidiaries in eight
countries as well as additional dealerships worldwide. SMT Scharf records more
than 80 % of its revenue in growing foreign markets, such as Russia, China and
South Africa. Business with spare parts and repairs accounts for around 40 % of
revenue. The entire market for underground transport technology comprises EUR 5
billion to EUR 7 billion per year according to the company's estimates. SMT
Scharf AG has been listed in the Prime Standard (Regulated Market) of the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange since April 11, 2007.
Further inquiry note:
Investor Relations
cometis AG
Henryk Deter / Patrick Ortner
Tel: +49(0)611 - 205855-16
Fax: +49(0)611 - 205855-66
e-mail: ortner@cometis.de
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: SMT Scharf AG
Römerstr. 104
D-59075 Hamm
phone: +49(0)2381-960212
FAX: +49(0)2381-960311
mail: ir@smtscharf.com
WWW: http://www.smtscharf.com
sector: Machine Manufacturing
ISIN: DE0005751986
indexes: CDAX, Classic All Share, Prime All Share
stockmarkets: free trade: Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart,
regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt
language: English