Bechtle AG — Earnings Release 2003

May 15, 2003

News Details

Ad-hoc | 15 May 2003 05:59

Bechtle AG english

Bechtles pre-tax earnings (EBT) up 127 per cent in first quarter Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Bechtles pre-tax earnings (EBT) up 127 per cent in first quarter Gaildorf, 15.5.2003. In the first quarter of 2003, Bechtle has highlighted its profitability: pre-tax earnings(EBT)were up 127 per cent to 3.84 million euros, more than double the figure of last year(U.S. GAAP; previous year 1.7 million). Sales also increased by 3.6 per cent to 172.88 million euros (previous year 166.8 million). Among other things, the improved earnings performance is due to the continuation of the companys strategy of refusing to go out for sales, whatever the cost. This has led to higher margin contribution levels with personnel costs that have grown at a disproportionately low rate. Bechtle has once again achieved this level of growth despite a difficult economic environment by distancing itself from what continues to be a strained IT market and has been able to consolidate and expand its position. After an excellent first quarter, the current second quarter is to be observed with some reservation. It is not possible at present to speak of a recovery of the IT market. In addition, there are a large number of public holidays in the second quarter with the opportunity for people to take extra days off work, which experience shows tends to delay the customers decision process. The quarterly report will be available for download in the course of the day at www.bechtle.com under Investor Relations, Financial Report. Contact person: Rudi Schmidt, Tel: +49 (0)79 71/95 02 29, rudi.schmidt@bechtle.com, http://www.bechtle.com. end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 15.05.2003 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 515870; ISIN: DE0005158703; Index: NEMAX 50 Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 150559 Mai 03