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Zumtobel Group AG

Quarterly Report Sep 16, 2008

770_rns_2008-09-16_172c64f5-2cbe-451e-9cf0-fcaaf38998e1.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Quarterly Report of Zumtobel AG 1 May to 31 July 2008

zumtobel group

Overview of the First Quarter

Moderate growth of 1.8% after adjustment for foreign exchange effects

Foreign currency effects reduce revenues by EUR 12.3 million

  • Adjusted EBIT margin declines 150 basis points to 8.8%

  • Positive development of working capital continues

Revenues from the sale of LED-based products rise 35.1%

Key Data in EUR million Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08 Change in % Full Prior Year
2007/08
Revenues 316.7 323.1 (2.0) 1,282.3
Adjusted EBITDA 38.3 43.3 (11.7) 162.2
as a % of revenues 12.1 13.4 12.7
Adjusted EBIT 28.0 33.3 (15.8) 123.0
as a % of revenues 8.8 10.3 9.6
Net profit for the period 14.3 25.1 (43.2) 93.5
as a % of revenues 4.5 7.8 7.3
Total assets 1,135.8 1,147.0 (1.0) 1,105.9
Equity 497.5 447.1 11.3 514.2
Equity ratio in % 43.8 39.0 46.5
Net debt 167.6 203.1 (17.5) 129.0
Cash flow from operating results 34.2 41.5 (17.7) 166.0
ROCE in % 18.0 17.8 18.9
Investments 14.5 10.2 42.6 66.0
as a % of revenues 4.6 3.2 5.1
Headcount (full-time equivalent) 7,782 7,394 5.2 7,708

The seasonal development of business

Letter to Shareholders

Dear Shareholders,

Against the backdrop of growing weakness in the global economy, the Zumtobel Group is able to report a solid start into the 2008/09 financial year. Group revenues for the first quarter totalled EUR 323.1 million, which is 2% less than the high comparable prior year value. However, this development was influenced above all by more than EUR 12 million of negative foreign exchange effects resulting from the strength of the Euro, in particular versus the British Pound. After an adjustment for these effects, revenues would have increased 1.8%. A continuation of the upward trend was registered on our key core markets in Europe, with growth of 2.9% in the D/A/CH-region, 6.1% in North Europe and roughly 6% in the UK before foreign exchange effects. Business in both segments of the Zumtobel Group – the Lighting Segment with the Zumtobel and Thorn brands and the Components Segment with TridonicAtco – reflected our expectations for the reporting period, although revenues were slightly lower than the previous year. However, the first three months of 2008/09 brought a further substantial increase in revenues from the sale of LED products. As expected, earnings were negatively influenced by higher personnel costs as well as foreign exchange factors. These expenses also reflect additional hiring for the sales force as an investment in the future of our company. Consequently, the Zumtobel Group recorded a decline of 15.8% in adjusted earnings before income and taxes (EBIT) to EUR 28.0 million for the first quarter of 2008/09 as well as a return on sales of 8.8%.

During the reporting period, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) approved an increase in the dividend from EUR 0.50 in the prior year to EUR 0.70 per share. This represents a return of over 6% based on the current price of the Zumtobel share. The AGM also authorised the Management Board to repurchase up to 10% of share capital. A first share buyback programme encompassing 1.9 million shares was started on 11 August 2008.

Outlook for the full year confirmed

The development of business during the first quarter was in line with our expectations, and we are therefore able to confirm the previously announced outlook for the 12 months of 2008/09. This financial year will be influenced by a highly volatile economic environment, a marked rise in personnel expenses and negative foreign exchange effects. In accordance with our earlier statements, we are forecasting growth in revenues of 2 to 3% (after an adjustment for foreign exchange effects) above the weakening commercial construction sector in Europe. As indicated during our presentation of results for the 2007/08 financial year on 30 June, we consider an EBIT margin of 8 to 9% to be realistic for 2008/09 due to the general lack of impulses for growth as well as negative foreign exchange effects and higher costs. We expect the largest negative variances in relation to 2007/08 during the first half of this financial year.

Andreas J. Ludwig Thomas Spitzenpfeil Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

Andreas Ludwig

Thomas Spitzenpfeil

Group Management Report

The Economic Environment

Fears of recession influence economic forecasts for 2008 and 2009

Economists see a growing danger of recession in the western industrial countries as a consequence of the US subprime crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted continued growth for the global economy during the financial year of the Zumtobel Group, which began on 1 May 2008, but this development will be driven primarily by the steady high pace of growth in the emerging markets of Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. Worldwide growth is expected to reach 4.1% in 2008 and 3.9% in 2009. In contrast, the US economy is expected to lose substantial momentum. Forecasts call for an increase of only 1.3% in the US gross national product during 2008, with a slight decline forecasted for the second half of the year and a plus of only 0.8% in 2009.

For the Eurozone, the experts have noted recessionary tendencies in Spain, Italy and increasingly also in Great Britain and France. The gross national product for Europe is expected to rise by only 1.7% in 2008 and 1.2% in 2009. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicts growth of 1.5% to 2.3% for the D/A/CH countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2008 and only 1.1% to 1.7% in 2009. According to the IMF, the emerging countries will again serve as the primary driver for the global economy. Forecasts call for the Chinese gross national product to grow by 9.7% in 2008 and 9.8% in 2009, while the Indian economy should increase by 8.0% in each of these two years. The comparable values for Eastern Europe are plus 4.6% and 4.5%.

Economic growth 2008

In its June forecast Euroconstruct revised its estimates for the commercial construction sector in the seven key European markets for the Zumtobel Group (Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy and Scandinavia) downward from 3.0% to 1.5% for the 2008 calendar year and from 2.1% to 0.6% for 2009. The continuing financial crisis does not lead us to expect any improvement in the operating environment for these key markets over the short-term.

Significant events since 30 April 2008

Acquisition in new areas of application As of 5 May 2008 the acquisition of SpaceCannon, which was announced in April 2008, was consolidated in the Group financial statements. SpaceCannon is specialised above all in LED-based lighting solutions for exterior, facade and event lighting and is integrated in the organisation of the newly created Zumtobel LED Division.

On 12 June 2008 a five-year credit arrangement was concluded with a consortium of seven banks. This credit has a total volume of EUR 480 million, whereby EUR 186 million were used to refinance existing liabilities. The remaining line of credit equals EUR 294 million and is available above all to finance growth and potential acquisitions.

Zumtobel AG is currently carrying out a share buyback programme, which covers the repurchase of up to 1,943,555 of the company's shares at a maximum price of EUR 20.50 per share on or before 11 February 2009. This programme was started on 11 August 2008, and roughly 300,000 shares had been repurchased as of 12 September 2008.

In accordance with a recommendation by the Management Board and Supervisory Board, the Annual General Meeting on 29 July 2008 approved the payment of a EUR 0.70 dividend per share for the 2007/08 financial year. This represents an increase of 40% over the previous dividend. This distribution was paid out to shareholders on 4 August 2008.

There are no other significant events to be reported.

Revenues

  • Moderate growth of 1.8% after adjustment for foreign exchange effects

  • Plus of 35.1% in revenues from LED-based products

  • 31.1% revenue growth in Eastern Europe

  • Continuation of positive development in Asia

Group revenues for the first quarter of the 2008/09 financial year (1 May to 31 July 2008) declined 2% to EUR 316.7 million. This development was the result of currency translation effects, which had a negative impact of EUR 12.3 million or 3.8%. An adjustment for these effects results in an increase of 1.8% in revenues.

The currency translation effects are a direct consequence of the continuing strength of the Euro, above all with respect to the British Pound (GBP). The increase in the value of the Euro over the comparable prior year period was responsible for a reduction of 14.5% or EUR 9.5 million in revenues based on the average quarterly exchange rates. Additional negative effects resulted from a decline in the value of revenues recorded in the US Dollar (USD), Australian Dollar (AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (NZD) as well as a number of Asian currencies. These factors were only offset to a limited extent by positive contributions from the Swiss Franc (CHF) and several East European currencies. The combined total of all currency translation adjustments was a negative effect of EUR 12.3 million.

Moderate growth of 1.8% after FX effects

New credit arrangement secures long-term financing

Share buyback programme started

Dividend payment of EUR 0.70 per share

Development of revenues (in EUR million)

FX adjusted growth in both segments

The foreign exchange developments had an above-average effect of EUR 9.2 million on the Lighting Segment. As a result, revenues declined 0.5% to EUR 234.7 million (prior year: EUR 235.9 million). The growth in revenues equalled 3.4% after an adjustment for foreign exchange factors.

The Components Segment was negatively influenced by foreign exchange adjustments of EUR 3.2 million, which triggered a decline in revenues to EUR 102.6 million (-2.3%). After an adjustment for these effects, revenues rose by 0.7%. The slower growth in relation to the prior year resulted above all from the relatively weak market environment in Southern Europe. The technological substitution effect for ballasts remained unchanged: as a result, the strong rise in sales volumes of technologically more sophisticated and higher priced electronic ballasts largely offset the drop in sales volumes of magnetic ballasts and the expected downward shift in the price of electronic ballasts. In contrast to earlier reporting periods, there were no notable effects from changes in the price of copper.

Segment development in EUR million Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08 Change in % FX adjusted in %
Lighting Segment 234.7 235.9 (0.5) 3.4
Components Segment 102.6 105.0 (2.3) 0.7
Other & Consolidation (20.6) (17.9) (15.1) -
Zumtobel Group 316.7 323.1 (2.0) 1.8

Revenues from LED products +35.1%

The Zumtobel Group successfully continued its growth course in the LED area during the past quarter. The acquisition of the Italian company SpaceCannon has expanded the know-how for the development of LEDbased exterior, facade and event lighting. Revenues from the sale of LED-based products and solutions rose by 35.1% to EUR 11.6 million in the first quarter of 2008/09 (prior year: EUR 8.6 million).

Distribution of revenues by region

Zumtobel generated revenues of EUR 257.7 million in Europe, or 81% of Group revenues, during the reporting period. The decline of 2% in comparison with the first quarter of 2007/08 was caused by negative foreign exchange effects of EUR 9 million (3.4%). After an adjustment for these effects, the Zumtobel Group recorded revenue growth of 1.4% in this region.

The D/A/CH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) presented a heterogeneous picture with a plus of 2.9%: The German and Swiss businesses profited from the still favourable market environment and recorded solid growth. In Austria, a number of projects were postponed to later quarters. Sound development was reported by the dynamic markets of Eastern Europe with an overall increase of 31.1% in revenues to EUR 18.6 million. Growth was also positive in Northern Europe, above all due to the continuing consolidation of the turnaround in Norway. In Western Europe, weakness in France and the abovementioned devaluation of the British Pound (GBP) had a negative influence on revenues during the first quarter as expected. The development of revenues in Great Britain would have been clearly positive without the negative currency translation adjustments. In Southern Europe the Components Segment was affected by increasing economic weakness in Italy and Spain, while the Lighting Segment recorded positive growth rates.

The positive development that began in Asia during the fourth quarter of 2007/08 continued into the first quarter of 2008/09 with an increase of 5.5% in revenues. In the America region the US Dollar (USD) lost a further 15% in value compared with the first quarter of the prior year and was responsible for nearly the entire decline in revenues. The situation in Australia/New Zealand remained unsatisfactory with a 3% decrease in revenues, but an adjustment for foreign exchange effects results in a slight improvement.

FX adjusted moderate increase in Europe

31.1% revenue growth in Eastern Europe

Continued positive development in Asia

Earnings

  • EBIT margin declines by 150 basis points

  • Gross profit margin increases 40 basis points to 38.3%

  • Currency transaction effects from the strong Euro reduce EBIT

  • Production costs improve in spite of wage increases

  • Financial results negatively influenced by the strong Euro and non-recurring effects

Income statement in EUR million Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08 Change in %
Revenues 316.7 323.1 (2.0)
Cost of goods sold (195.4) (200.5) 2.5
Gross profit 121.3 122.6 (1.1)
as a % of revenues 38.3 37.9
SG&A expenses adjusted for special effects (93.2) (89.3) (4.4)
Adjusted EBIT 28.0 33.3 (15.8)
as a % of revenues 8.8 10.3
Special effects (1.0) (0.6) (73.8)
EBIT 27.0 32.7 (17.4)
Financial results (10.0) (4.7) <(100)
Profit before tax 17.0 28.0 (39.2)
Income taxes (3.0) (2.9) (6.5)
Net profit for the period from discontinued operations 0.3 0.0 >100
Net profit for the period 14.3 25.1 (43.2)
Depreciation and amortisation adjusted for special effects 10.2 10.1 1.7
Earnings per share (in EUR) 0.32 0.56 (42.9)

Note: EBITDA (EBIT plus depreciation and amortisation) equalled EUR 37,2 million.

150 bp decline in adjusted EBIT margin

EBIT adjusted for special effects fell EUR 5.3 million to EUR 28.0 million for the first quarter of 2008/09 (previous year: EUR 33.3 million). This reflects a decrease of 150 basis points from the comparable prior year level to a return on sales of 8.8% for the reporting period.

Development of adjusted EBIT (in EUR million)

∗ CoGS = Cost of goods sold, SG&A = Selling, general and administrative expenses The gross profit margin improved by 40 basis points to 38.3% of revenues for the first quarter. The decrease in the contribution that resulted from the decline in revenues and the significant negative impact of the stronger Euro was largely offset by the successful implementation of efficiency and cost reduction programmes in the production area.

The increase in the value of the Euro versus the British Pound (GBP) compared with the first quarter of the prior year led to a negative currency transaction adjustment of roughly EUR 3 million on exports to Great Britain. However, productivity improvements and currency-based relief from the US Dollar (USD) more than offset the increase in personnel expenses and the cost of materials. Personnel expenses as a percentage of the cost of goods sold declined from 15.3% to 14.7%.

After an adjustment for special effects, selling, administrative and other expenses (SG&A) rose by 4.4% yearon-year to EUR 93.2 million (previous year: EUR 89.3 million). This development was triggered by a general rise in costs, above all an increase of roughly 4% in wages and salaries in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as additional hiring in the sales area to reflect the expansion of business activities.

Special effects of minus EUR 1 million were recognised during the first quarter of 2008/09. They are the result of restructuring costs related to preparations for the relocation of the plant in Spennymoor (redundancy payments of EUR 0.5 million) as well as costs for an efficiency improvement programme that has been started in the Lighting Segment in Australia.

The following table shows the Group's operating performance after an adjustment for the above-mentioned special effects:

Adjusted EBIT in EUR million Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08 Change in %
Reported EBIT 27.0 32.7 (17.4)
thereof special effects (1.0) (0.6) (73.8)
Adjusted EBIT 28.0 33.3 (15.8)
as a % of revenues 8.8 10.3

Financial results negatively influenced by strong Euro and non-recurring effects

Financial results declined by EUR 5.3 million year-on-year to minus EUR 10.0 million for the first quarter of 2008/09. Interest expense of EUR 8.9 million includes non-recurring expenses of roughly EUR 4.4 million in connection with the premature refinancing of the loan contracted in 2001 to fund the Thorn acquisition. Other financial income and expenses totalled minus EUR 2.6 million. In addition, the comparable prior year value of EUR 0.9 million includes positive effects of EUR 1.4 million from the valuation of foreign currency positions.

Financial result in EUR million Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08 Change in %
Interest expense (8.9) (5.6) (59.4)
Interest income 1.1 0.8 33.3
Net financing costs (7.8) (4.8) (63.8)
Other financial income and expenses (2.6) (0.9) <(100)
Profit/(loss) from associated companies 0.5 1.0 (55.2)
Financial results (10.0) (4.7) <(100)

Gross profit margin rises 40 bp to 38.3%

Lower CoGS in spite of wage increases

4.4% increase in SG&A expenses

Special effects in operating profit

39.2% decline in profit before tax

Profit before tax fell by 39.2% or EUR 11.0 million to EUR 17.0 million, and income tax expense equalled EUR 3.0 million for the reporting period. Earnings per share for the shareholders of Zumtobel AG (basic EPS on 44.6 million shares) totalled EUR 0.32 for the reporting period (previous year: EUR 0.56).

Cash Flow and Asset Position

Improvement in working capital continues

In accordance with the normal seasonal pattern, working capital increased during the period from 30 April to 31 July 2008. Cash outflows of EUR 28.4 million for the first three months were substantially less than the comparable figure for the first quarter of 2007/08 (EUR 44.5 million). Active working capital management allowed the Group to reduce inventories and receivables by a sizeable amount in comparison with the level at 31 July 2007 and, at the same time, to also increase trade payables. As of 31 July 2008 working capital totalled EUR 264.9 million (previous year: EUR 300.7 million). Working capital as a percentage of revenues (based on rolling 12-month revenues) declined significantly year-on-year for the fourth quarter in succession and totalled 20.8% (previous year: 24.0%).

Working capital as a % of rolling 12-month revenues

Cash outflows for investments totalled EUR 14.5 million for the first quarter of 2008/09, which is EUR 4.4 million more than in the previous year. Of this amount, EUR 3 million represented equipment for the new plant in Spennymoor.

Balance sheet data in EUR million 31 July 2008 31 July 2007 30 April 2008
Total assets 1,135.8 1,147.0 1,105.9
Net debt 167.6 203.1 129.0
Equity 497.5 447.1 514.2
Equity ratio in % 43.8 39.0 46.5
Gearing in % 33.7 45.4 25.1
Average capital employed 655.4 648.5 650.2
ROCE in % 18.0 17.8 18.9
Investments 14.5 10.2 66.0
Working capital 264.9 300.7 232.9
As a % of rolling 12 month revenues 20.8 24.0 18.2

Equity decreased slightly to 43.8% from the level on 30 April 2008 following the approval of a EUR 31.2 million dividend payment by the Annual General Meeting. Net liabilities rose in accordance with the normal seasonal pattern and increased gearing from 25.1% to 33.7%. The solid balance sheet structure of the Zumtobel Group showed a further improvement in comparison with the first quarter of the previous year.

Solid balance sheet structure

Outlook: still cautiously optimistic

The development of business during the first quarter reflected expectations, and the Management Board of the Zumtobel Group is therefore able to confirm the previously announced outlook for the 12 months of 2008/09. This financial year will be influenced by a highly volatile economic environment, a marked rise in personnel expenses and negative foreign exchange effects. In line with earlier statements, the Management Board is forecasting growth in revenues of 2 to 3% (after an adjustment for foreign exchange effects) above the weakening commercial construction sector in Europe. As indicated during the presentation of results for the 2007/08 financial year on 30 June, the Management Board considers an EBIT margin of 8 to 9% to be realistic for 2008/09 due to the general lack of impulses for growth as well as negative foreign exchange effects and higher costs. The largest negative variances in relation to 2007/08 are expected to occur during the first half of this financial year.

Dornbirn, September 2008

Andreas Ludwig Thomas Spitzenpfeil Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer

Outlook for 2008/09 confirmed

Income Statement

in TEUR Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08 Change in %
Revenues 316,670 323,061 (2.0)
Cost of goods sold (195,400) (200,496) (2.5)
Gross profit 121,270 122,565 (1.1)
as a % of revenues 38.3 37.9
Selling expenses (75,521) (72,965) 3.5
Administrative expenses (18,955) (17,780) 6.6
Other operating results 193 864 (77.7)
thereof special effects (1,036) (596) 73.8
Operating profit 26,987 32,684 (17.4)
as a % of revenues 8.5 10.1
Interest expense (8,863) (5,561) 59.4
Interest income 1,070 803 33.3
Other financial income and expenses (2,626) (949) >100
Profit/(loss) from associated companies 463 1,033 (55.2)
Financial results (9,956) (4,674) >100
as a % of revenues (3.1) (1.5)
Profit before tax 17,031 28,010 (39.2)
Income taxes (3,049) (2,864) 6.5
Net profit for the year from continuing operations 13,982 25,146 (44.4)
Net profit for the year from discontinued operations 294 0
Net profit for the period 14,276 25,146 (43.2)
as a % of revenues 4.5 7.8
thereof due to minority shareholders 2 197 (99.0)
thereof due to shareholders of the parent company 14,274 24,949 (42.8)
Average number of shares outstanding - basic (in 1000 pcs.) 44,592 44,413
Average diluting effect (stock options) (in 1000 pcs.) 55 220
Average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in 1000 pcs.) 44,647 44,633
Earnings per share (in EUR)
Basic earnings per share 0.32 0.56
Diluted earnings per share 0.32 0.56
Earnings per share from continuing operations (in EUR)
Basic earnings per share 0.31 0.56
Diluted earnings per share 0.31 0.56

Balance Sheet

in TEUR 31 July 2008 in % 30 April 2008 in %
Goodwill 287,182 25.3 278,967 25.2
Intangible assets 43,636 3.8 40,635 3.7
Property, plant and equipment 232,050 20.4 211,222 19.1
Investments in associated companies 6,869 0.6 6,486 0.6
Financial assets 676 0.1 15,604 1.4
Other receivables & assets 5,400 0.5 5,338 0.5
Deferred taxes 43,196 3.8 43,035 3.9
Non-current assets 619,009 54.5 601,287 54.4
Inventories 166,682 14.7 162,181 14.7
Trade receivables 234,043 20.6 225,113 20.4
Other receivables & assets 23,074 2.0 28,750 2.6
Financial assets 38 0.0 497 0.0
Liquid funds 92,527 8.1 87,678 7.9
Available for sale assets 442 0.0 442 0.0
Current assets 516,806 45.5 504,661 45.6
ASSETS 1,135,815 100.0 1,105,948 100.0
Share capital 111,761 9.8 111,761 10.1
Additional paid-in capital 356,327 31.4 355,893 32.2
Reserves 12,949 1.1 (48,409) (4.4)
Net profit for the period 14,274 1.3 92,986 8.4
Capital attributed to shareholders of the parent company 495,311 43.6 512,231 46.3
Capital attributed to minority shareholders 2,164 0.2 1,969 0.2
Equity 497,475 43.8 514,200 46.5
Provisions for pensions 34,410 3.0 35,762 3.2
Provisions for severance compensation 30,013 2.6 29,931 2.7
Other provisions 10,617 0.9 10,392 1.0
Borrowings 221,690 19.5 211,631 19.1
Other liabilities 714 0.1 1,012 0.1
Deferred taxes 10,199 0.9 10,224 0.9
Non-current liabilities 307,643 27.1 298,952 27.0
Provisions for taxes 32,219 2.8 29,196 2.6
Other provisions 16,984 1.5 21,121 1.9
Borrowings 38,398 3.4 5,024 0.5
Trade payables 124,433 11.0 144,326 13.1
Other liabilities 118,663 10.4 93,129 8.4
Current liabilities 330,697 29.1 292,796 26.5
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,135,815 100.0 1,105,948 100.0

Cash Flow Statement

in TEUR Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08
Operating profit from continuing and discontinued operations 27,281 32,684
Depreciation and amortisation 10,239 10,066
Other non-cash changes (3,367) (1,228)
Cash flow from operating results 34,153 41,522
Inventories (5,573) (10,110)
Trade receivables (2,998) (13,460)
Trade payables (20,964) (21,330)
Prepayments received 1,106 429
Change in working capital (28,429) (44,471)
Non-current provisions (1,426) (1,630)
Current provisions (4,116) 160
Other current and non-current receivables and liabilities (5,165) (3,039)
Change in other operating items (10,707) (4,509)
Taxes paid (1,018) (1,530)
Cash flow from operating activities (6,001) (8,988)
Proceeds from the sale of non-current assets 87 987
Capital expenditures (14,529) (10,186)
Change in non-current and current financial assets 12,896 4,609
Change in liquid funds from changes in the consolidation range (6,036) 0
Cash flow from investing activities (7,582) (4,590)
FREE CASH FLOW (13,583) (13,578)
Change in net borrowings 2,982 920
thereof restricted cash (53) 17
Exercise of options 433 0
Interest paid (5,989) (4,367)
Cash flow from financing activities (2,574) (3,447)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 125 418
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (16,032) (16,607)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 86,163 118,970
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 70,131 102,363
Change absolute (16,032) (16,607)

Statement of Changes in Equity

1st Quarter 2008/09

Attributed to shareholders of the parent company
in TEUR Share
capital
Additional
paid-in
capital
Reserves Net profit
for the
period
Total Minority interests Total equity
30 April 2008 111,761 355,893 (48,409) 92,986 512,231 1,969 514,200
+/- Additions to reserves 0 0 92,986 (92,986) 0 0 0
+/- Net profit for the period 0 0 0 14,274 14,274 2 14,276
+/- Share buyback / Exercise of options 0 434 0 0 434 0 434
+/- Dividends 0 0 (31,255) 0 (31,255) 0 (31,255)
+/- Currency differences not recognised through
profit or loss
0 0 (379) 0 (379) 3 (376)
+/- Currency differences arising from loans 0 0 (328) 0 (328) 0 (328)
+/- Hedge accounting not recognised through profit
or loss
0 0 (82) 0 (82) 0 (82)
+/- Stock options - Addition 0 0 416 0 416 0 416
+/- Initial consolidation 0 0 0 0 0 190 190
31 July 2008 111,761 356,327 12,949 14,274 495,311 2,164 497,475

1st Quarter 2007/08

Attributed to shareholders of the parent company
in TEUR Share
capital
Additional
paid-in
capital
Reserves Net profit
for the
period
Total Minority interests Total equity
30 April 2007 111,761 354,143 (129,074) 103,193 440,023 1,567 441,590
+/- Additions to reserves 0 0 103,193 (103,193) 0 0 0
+/- Net profit for the period 0 0 0 24,949 24,949 197 25,146
+/- Share buyback / Exercise of options 0 1,479 0 0 1,479 0 1,479
+/- Dividends 0 0 (22,280) 0 (22,280) 0 (22,280)
+/- Currency differences not recognised through
profit or loss
0 0 85 0 85 2 87
+/- Hedge accounting not recognised through profit
or loss
0 0 (287) 0 (287) 0 (287)
+/- Stock options 0 0 1,222 0 1,222 0 1,222
+/- Business combination achieved in stages 0 0 0 0 0 157 157
31 July 2007 111,761 355,621 (47,140) 24,949 445,191 1,923 447,114

Statement of recognised income and expense

in TEUR Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08
Net profit for the period 14,274 24,949
Hedge accounting (145) (382)
Deferred taxes 63 95
Income recognised directly in equity (82) (287)
Total 14,192 24,662
Attributed to shareholders of the parent company 14,190 24,465
Attributed to minority interests 2 197

Notes

Accounting and Valuation Methods

The interim financial statements as of 31 July 2008 were prepared in accordance with the principles set forth in International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting). The company has elected to make use of the option set forth in IAS 34 and provide selected explanatory notes.

The accounting and valuation methods remain unchanged as of 31 July 2008. Additional information on these methods is provided in the consolidated financial statements as of 30 April 2008.

The quarterly financial statements of all companies included in the consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with uniform accounting and valuation principles.

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with all IFRS/IAS issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as well as all interpretations (IFRIC/SIC) of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee and Standing Interpretations Committee that were valid as of the balance sheet date and have been adopted by the European Union through its endorsement procedure.

Consolidation range

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements include all major Austrian and foreign companies that are controlled by Zumtobel AG.

The changes in the consolidation range during the interim financial period are shown below:

Consolidation Method
Consolidation Range full at equity TOTAL
30 April 2008 97 5 102
Included during reporting year for first time 4 0 4
Thereof newly founded 2 0 2
Thereof acquisition 2 0 2
Merged during reporting year (1) 0 (1)
31 July 2008 100 5 105

As of 5 May 2008 Zumtobel acquired 100% of the shares in the Italian Space Cannon VH S.P.S. (now SpaceCannon), which is headquartered in Fubine. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price led to the recognition of TEUR 6,679 in goodwill. This company recorded net profit of TEUR 336 during the first quarter of 2008/09.

In addition, 90% of the shares in Zumtobel Residential Lighting S.r.l. (formerly Oylight - now Zumtobel Residential), which is headquartered in Milan, were initially consolidated during May. The purchase price equalled TEUR 1,574. Goodwill disclosed during the preliminary allocation of the purchase price amounted to TEUR 1,535. This company reported a loss of TEUR 358 for the first quarter of 2008/09.

The following two companies were founded during the first quarter of the reporting year: Zumtobel LED Illuminazione Holding s.rl, Italy, and Zumtobel Licht doo, Croatia.

Luxmate GmbH, Germany, was merged with Zumtobel Licht GmbH, Germany, in May 2008.

Notes to the Income Statement

The following comments explain the major changes to individual items in relation to the comparable prior year period.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share were calculated by dividing net profit for the period by the average number of shares outstanding as of the balance sheet date for these interim financial statements.

Diluted earnings per share are based on the assumption that that the options granted under the stock option programme (SOP/MSP) will be exercised. These shares are included in the calculation of the average number of shares outstanding.

Seasonality

Sales volumes are higher during the first two quarters of the financial year than during the second half-year for seasonal reasons; in particular, the third quarter lies significantly below the average. This distribution reflects the Group's dependency on developments in the construction industry as well as the seasonal distribution of business in this sector.

Expenses

The income statement was prepared in accordance with the cost of sales method. The cost of goods sold (incl. development expenses), selling expenses (incl. research expenses) and administrative expenses as well as other operating results include the following categories of expenses and income:

1st Quarter 2008/09

in TEUR Cost of goods
sold
Selling
expenses
Administrative
expenses
Other
operating
results
Total
Cost of materials (133,400) (1,533) (67) 0 (135,000)
Personnel expenses (46,469) (37,856) (11,606) (13) (95,944)
Depreciation (8,265) (1,510) (464) 0 (10,239)
Other expenses (13,854) (32,978) (8,812) (1,048) (56,692)
Own work capitalised 3,542 18 504 0 4,064
Internal charges 1,464 (2,679) 1,215 0 0
Total expenses (196,982) (76,538) (19,230) (1,061) (293,811)
Other income 1,582 1,017 275 1,254 4,128
Total (195,400) (75,521) (18,955) 193 (289,683)

1st Quarter 2007/08

Cost of goods Selling Administrative Other Total
in TEUR sold expenses expenses operating
results
Cost of materials (134,431) (1,313) (96) (4) (135,844)
Personnel expenses (49,306) (36,658) (11,009) (19) (96,992)
Depreciation (8,254) (1,395) (415) 0 (10,064)
Other expenses (13,169) (32,536) (7,844) (584) (54,133)
Own work capitalised 3,061 2 0 0 3,063
Internal charges 1,404 (2,277) 874 (1) 0
Total expenses (200,695) (74,177) (18,490) (608) (293,970)
Other income 199 1,212 710 1,472 3,593
Total (200,496) (72,965) (17,780) 864 (290,377)

The cost of goods sold includes development costs of TEUR 7,920 (prior year: TEUR 7,270). Development costs of TEUR 3,164 (prior year: TEUR 2,899) were capitalised during the reporting period, and the amortisation of capitalised development costs equalled TEUR 1,230 (prior year: TEUR 934).

Other Operating Results

in TEUR Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08
Government grants 584 1,053
License revenues 361 287
Special effects (1,036) (596)
Restructuring (1,036) (976)
Gains / losses on sale 0 380
Miscellaneous 284 120
Total 193 864

Public subsidies are comprised entirely of government grants related to income.

The license fees represent income from the LED business.

Special effects as defined in IAS 1 include the following major items:

Restructuring includes the costs for redundancy plans in Great Britain (TEUR 508) and Australia (TEUR 452).

The position "other" represents the net total of income and expenses from ordinary business activities, which cannot be clearly allocated to another functional area.

Interest expense

Interest expense includes a bonus margin, transaction costs and commitment charges for credits, which total approximately EUR 4.4 million and are related to the refinancing of the 2001 acquisition credit agreement. The remaining EUR 4.5 million (prior year: EUR 5.6 million) are comprised primarily of interest expense for the current credit agreement.

Other Financial Income and Expenses

in TEUR Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08
Interest component as per IAS 19 less income on plan assets (657) (624)
Foreign exchange gains and losses (88) 1,374
Market valuation of financial instruments (1,755) (1,531)
Gains / losses on sale (126) 192
Total (2,626) (949)

Foreign exchange gains and losses consist above all of effects from the valuation of receivables and liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency.

The market valuation of financial instruments shows the results from the valuation of forward exchange contracts at fair value as of the balance sheet date for the interim financial statements.

Income Taxes

The classification of income taxes into current and deferred taxes is shown in the following table:

in TEUR Q1 2008/09 Q1 2007/08
Current taxes (3,206) (3,322)
Deferred taxes 157 458
Income taxes (3,049) (2,864)

Notes to the Balance Sheet

The following comments refer to major changes in individual items compared to the balance sheet date on 30 April 2008.

Goodwill

The change in this position reflects the recognition of goodwill in SpaceCannon and Zumtobel Residential.

Property, plant and equipment

The increase in property, plant and equipment resulted above all from the recognition of the newly constructed plant in Spennymoor, England.

Financial assets

Non-current financial assets declined during the first quarter of 2008/09, primarily due to the sale of a fixed-interest financial asset that was contracted with a financial institution.

Financial liabilities

The increase in non-current financial liabilities resulted from the recognition of a finance lease for the Spennymoor plant in accordance with IAS 17. This lease has a volume of TEUR 20,345 and a term of 21 years. The increase in current financial liabilities was related to the use of short-term lines of credit.

On 12 June 2008 two five-year credit agreements were concluded with a consortium of seven banks; one of these credit agreements represents a framework contract The credits have a total volume EUR 480 million, whereby EUR 186 million were used to repay the EUR 200 million acquisition credit that was concluded in 2001. The remainder was repaid from cash balances.

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

The more effective management of working capital was reflected in the continued improvement of cash flow from operating results.

Cash flow from investing activities includes the redemption of a financial asset as well as the difference in cash and cash equivalents that resulted from changes in the consolidation range.

Transition to cash and cash equivalents

in TEUR 31 July 2008 31 July 2007
Liquid funds 92,528 107,316
Not available for disposal (688) (2,878)
Demand deposits and others (21,709) (2,075)
Cash and cash equivalents 70,131 102,363

Notes to the Statement of Changes in Equity

Dividend

The Annual General Meeting on 29 July 2008 approved the payment of a EUR 0.70 dividend per share. A total of TEUR 31,255 was distributed to the shareholders of Zumtobel AG on 4 August 2008.

Stock Option Programme and Share Buyback

in psc. Total
30 April 2008 112,181
Share buyback 0
Exercised (57,527)
31 July 2008 54,654

A total of 57,527 (prior year: 186,085) stock options were exercised during the first quarter of 2008/09. The exercise price paid by employees equalled TEUR 432 (average price of EUR 7.5 per share; prior year, average price of EUR 8.0).

Reserve for Stock Options

in TEUR SOP MSP Total
30 April 2008 15,986 1,558 17,544
Addition through profit or loss 0 416 416
31 July 2008 15,986 1,974 17,960

The Stock Option Programme (SOP) has now been fully replaced by the Matching Stock Programme (MSP). No further options were allocated from the SOP.

The addition to the Matching Stock Programme (MSP) represents the options to be granted from the MSP I segments 2 and 3, MSP II segments 1 and 2 as well as MSP III segment 1 for a total of TEUR 416. The addition will be accrued over two years through profit or loss.

Related Party Transactions

Related parties include the Managing Board and Supervisory Board of Zumtobel AG. The company had no business relationships with related parties as of the closing date for the interim financial statements on 31 July 2008.

Supply and delivery transactions are conducted with associated companies at normal market conditions.

Contingent Liabilities and Guarantees

The Zumtobel Group holds contingent liabilities of TEUR 147 (30 April 2008: TEUR 440) for guarantees and warranties that do not meet the criteria for recognition as a provision. Bank guarantees of TEUR 9,098 (30 April 2008: TEUR 9,072) have been provided for various liabilities.

Subsequent Events

The Annual General Meeting on 29 July 2008 authorised the Management Board of Zumtobel AG, contingent upon the approval of the Supervisory Board, to repurchase the company's shares at an amount equalling up to 10% of share capital for a minimum price of EUR 5 and a maximum price of EUR 50 per share. This authorisation is valid for 18 months beginning on the date the resolution was passed. On the same date the Management Board of Zumtobel AG decided to utilise this authorisation to repurchase up to 1,943,555 of the company's shares at a maximum price of EUR 20.50 on or before 11 February 2009. The share buyback was started on 11 August 2008 after the Supervisory Board granted its approval. This programme will be managed by a financial institution that will decide on the timing of the purchase independently and without the influence of the company in accordance with the so-called "safe harbour rule". Roughly 300,000 shares had been repurchased as of 15 September 2008.

Segment Reporting

Business Segments

The following two subgroups represent the primary segments of business for the Zumtobel Group: the Lighting Segment (formerly the Zumtobel Lighting Division - lighting solutions, interior and exterior lighting, electronic-digital lighting and room management systems) and the Components Segment (formerly the TridonicAtco Division - electronic and magnetic lighting components). The prices charged on inter-segment sales reflect normal market conditions.

Segment assets and liabilities comprise directly allocated property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and working capital (excluding accrued interest, tax refunds and tax liabilities).

The column "Other and Consolidation" contains the assets, liabilities and related income statement items which were not allocated to the individual segments as well as property, plant and equipment, financial liabilities and taxes that relate to more than one segment.

Lighting Segment Components Segment Other & Consolidation Group
in TEUR Q1
2008/09
Q1
2007/08
Q1
2006/07
Q1
2008/09
Q1
2007/08
Q1
2006/07
Q1
2008/09
Q1
2007/08
Q1
2006/07
Q1
2008/09
Q1
2007/08
Q1
2006/07
Net revenues 234,664 235,931 226,753 102,623 105,043 95,386 (20,617) (17,913) (17,601) 316,670 323,061 304,538
External
revenues
233,552 236,061 226,300 82,837 86,828 77,837 281 172 401 316,670 323,061 304,538
Inter
company
revenues
1,111 (131) 453 19,786 18,216 17,549 (20,898) (18,085) (18,002) 0 0 0
Operating profit 15,441 21,242 21,216 14,313 12,343 10,299 (2,766) (901) (1,153) 26,987 32,684 30,361
Investments 9,919 6,533 5,804 3,880 3,584 4,271 730 69 599 14,529 10,186 10,674
Depreciation (6,175) (6,047) (6,087) (3,767) (5,226) (4,795) (296) 1,208 1,380 (10,239) (10,066) (9,502)
in TEUR 31 July
2008
30 April
2008
30 April
2007
31 July
2008
30 April
2008
30 April
2007
31 July
2008
30 April
2008
30 April
2007
31 July
2008
30 April
2008
30 April
2007
Assets 765,987 754,848 728,292 230,864 233,295 242,104 138,963 117,805 174,983 1,135,815 1,105,948 1,145,379
Liabilities 259,576 281,339 293,825 88,896 96,774 102,283 289,866 213,635 307,681 638,339 591,748 703,789

Regional Segments

The distribution of countries to the individual regions is as follows:

DACH: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Eastern Europe: Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Baltic States
Northern Europe: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland
Western Europe: Great Britain, Benelux, France
Southern Europe: Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey
America: North and South America
Asia: Countries in the Far East and Middle East
Other: Africa

The region "Europe" and the total Group level include various assets such as goodwill, which could not be directly allocated to secondary regions during the consolidation.

External revenues Assets Investments
in TEUR Q1
2008/09
Q1
2007/08
Q1
2006/07
31 July
2008
30 April
2008
30 April
2007
Q1
2008/09
Q1
2007/08
Q1
2006/07
D/A/CH 77,999 75,832 74,329 388,884 389,430 393,566 8,422 5,941 8,752
Eastern Europe 18,608 14,189 14,237 22,594 20,932 9,753 247 215 (662)
Northern Europe 24,151 22,757 23,280 27,948 31,346 29,162 236 247 67
Western Europe 103,043 113,345 97,764 201,300 178,089 178,887 4,811 2,091 1,482
Southern Europe 33,887 36,738 32,306 44,594 23,133 19,918 390 10 22
Europe 257,688 262,860 241,916 685,319 642,930 631,285 14,107 8,505 9,661
Asia 21,601 20,484 21,068 37,614 40,260 39,449 169 426 299
Australia & New Zealand 26,143 26,950 27,174 60,178 60,909 71,405 121 1,150 600
America 8,238 9,819 10,528 13,273 13,162 14,472 132 104 114
Others 3,000 2,948 3,852 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other & Consolidation 0 0 0 338,470 348,686 388,768 0 0 0
Total 316,670 323,061 304,538 1,135,815 1,105,948 1,145,379 14,529 10,186 10,674

Dornbirn, 16 September 2008

The Management Board

Andreas Ludwig Thomas Spitzenpfeil

The Zumtobel Share

The Zumtobel share was unable to disengage from the negative climate and general weakness on international capital markets during the reporting period from 1 May 2008 to 31 July 2008. A further negative aspect was the downward revision of the company's forecasts for the new financial year. The price of the Zumtobel share came under increasing pressure as a result of these factors, and closed the first quarter of 2008/09 at EUR 11.52 and a minus of roughly 40%. The price on 31 July (ex-dividend day) reflects a dividend discount of EUR 0.70. The leading Austrian Traded Index (ATX), which includes Zumtobel, also remained weak during these three months with a decline of 14%. The Zumtobel share recorded a good start into the reporting period, with the share price rising above the EUR 20-mark in early May and remaining at this level until the beginning of June. However, worldwide fears of a recession and the above-mentioned revision of earnings forecasts subsequently led to a sharp decline in the share price. In this phase Zumtobel was affected by the generally strong pressure on smaller and mid-sized corporations. Unfavourable forecasts by the financial market for the development of business in the construction industry and related sectors also had a negative influence on the share performance. The market capitalisation of the Zumtobel Group fell to EUR 515 million by the end of July. The shareholder structure did not change during the reporting period; 66% of the shares are held in free float and the Zumtobel family continues to hold a stake of 34%.

Development of the Zumtobel Share

Key Data on the Zumtobel Share for the 1st quarter

Closing price at 30.04.08 € 19,64 Currency EUR
Closing price at 31.07.08 € 11,52 ISIN AT0000837307
Performance Q1 2008/09 -41,3% Ticker symbol Vienna Stock Exchange (XETRA) ZAG
Performance since IPO -43,8% Market segment Prime Market
Ø Market capitalisation at 31.07.08 € 515 million Reuters symbol ZUMV.VI
Share price - high at 02.05.08 € 20,49 Bloomberg symbol ZAG AV
Ø Turnover per day (shares) 175.678 Datastream O:ZAG
Free float 66% Number of issued shares 44.704.344

Zumtobel AG 1 May 2008 to 31 July 2008

Service

Financial Terms
Adjusted EBIT EBIT adjusted for special effects
Adjusted EBIT margin = Adjusted EBIT as a percentage of revenues
Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA adjusted for special effects
Average capital employed = Goodwill + intangible assets + tangible assets + inventories + trade receivables
– trade payables – provisions for income taxes – other provisions – other liabilities,
as average over a period of four quarters
CAPEX Capital expenditure
EBIT Earnings before interest and taxes
EBITDA Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation
Equity ratio = Equity as a percentage of assets
Gearing = Net debt as a percentage of equity
Net debt = Non-current borrowings + current borrowings – liquid funds
ROCE (Return On Capital Employed) = Total return based on adjusted EBIT as a
percentage of average capital employed
WACC Weighted average cost of capital (debt and equity)
Working capital = Inventories + trade receivables – trade payables – prepayments received

Financial Calendar

Interim Financial Report 2008/09 (1 May 2008 – 31 October 2008) 09 December 2008 3rd Quarterly Report 2008/09 (1 May 2008 – 31 January 2009) 12 March 2009

Contact Information

Harald Albrecht Astrid Kühn-Ulrich Head of Investor Relations Head of Corporate Communications Telephone +43 (0)5572 509-1510 Telephone +43 (0)5572 509-1570 E-Mail [email protected] E-Mail [email protected]

Investor Relations Press / Corporate Communications

Financial Reports

Our financial reports are available for download under: http://www.zumtobelgroup.com. You can also order a copy by calling +43 (0)5572 509-1510.

More Information

on Zumtobel AG, our brands and LED activities can be found in the Internet under:

www.zumtobelgroup.com www.zumtobel.com www.thornlighting.com www.zumtobellighteriors.com www.tridonicatco.com www.ledonlighting.com

Imprint

Publisher: Zumtobel AG, Investor Relations, Harald Albrecht Coordination: Lisa Pfurtscheller Coordination Financials: Michael Köb Translation: Donna Schiller Cover: Zumtobel Highlights Show (Picture: Zumtobel) Pictures: Florian Holzherr, Carolin Hinteregger, Joss Guest Copyright: Zumtobel AG 2008

Produced in-house with FIRE.sys

Disclaimer

This annual financial report includes statements on future developments, which are based on information available at the present time and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the results realised at a later date to vary from these forward-looking statements. These statements on future developments are not to be under-stood as guarantees. On the contrary, future developments and results are dependent on a wide range of factors and connected with various risks and incalculable events. Moreover, they are based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. Included here, for example, are unforeseeable changes in the political, economic and business environment, especially in the regions where the Zumtobel Group operates, as well as the competitive situation, interest rates and foreign exchange rates, technological developments and other risks and incalculable events. Other risks may arise as a result of price developments, unforeseeable events in the operating environments of acquired companies or Group companies as well as ongoing cost optimisation programmes. The Zumtobel Group does not plan to update these forward-looking statements. This quarterly report is also presented in English, but only the German text is binding.

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