HOCHDORF Holding AG — Earnings Release 2011

Jan 31, 2012

News Details

Ad-hoc | 31 January 2012 17:31

HOCHDORF Holding AG: Turnover figures for the 2011 financial year (consolidated but not audited)

HOCHDORF Holding AG / Key word(s): Development of Sales

31.01.2012 17:31

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR

Turnover maintained despite sale of division

Hochdorf, 31 January 2012 - The HOCHDORF Group last year processed 455.4
million kg of milk and whey to make various powdered products. This was a
significant improvement (+10.9%) on the record value of 410.5 million kg
obtained in 2010. The consolidated gross turnover stands at CHF 346.6
million (previous year 351.4 million; -1.4%). This means that HOCHDORF has
been able to maintain its turnover despite selling its bakery product
division.

Processed liquid quantities of 455.4 million kg (milk and whey) represent a
new record for the HOCHDORF Group. The relatively high Swiss milk quantity
of 350.7 million kg (previous year 325.9 million kg; +7.6%) made an
important contribution here.

Turnover just under previous year's value
The past business year saw the HOCHDORF Group achieve a consolidated gross
turnover of CHF 346.6 million (not audited; previous year 351.4 million).
The slight dip in turnover of -1.4% is mainly due to the sale of HOCHDORF
Nutribake Ltd. (2010 turnover: CHF 32.1 million). The areas of milk
derivatives and infant formula generated significantly higher turnover than
in the previous year and are responsible for the group's growth in large
part. The most significant increase was shown in exports to Asia. The
HOCHDORF Group is planning further substantial growth in this market. The
export ratio increased to 33% in total.

The non-consolidated sales volume of 91,766 tonnes is also slightly less
than the previous year's value (94,657 tonnes; -3.1%). We were delighted to
be able to deliver more full milk powder to the chocolate industry than
ever before, at 12,240 tonnes (+7.9% on the previous year). We were also
able to register a significant increase in sales in the area of infant
formula. The HOCHDORF Group sold 12% more infant formula than in the
previous year.

Review and outlook
It was mainly currency problems that made 2011 a very challenging business
year. The rapid drop in the value of the euro made it very difficult to
market HOCHDORF export products profitably. The Swiss National Bank has
currently set a minimum exchange rate of CHF 1.20 to the euro, which has
calmed the markets somewhat, but is still not enough to secure profitable
exports. This means that the Group will have to continue to optimise its
processes in the current business year.

The HOCHDORF Group is expecting company profits in the region of CHF 13
million. The high net profit can be explained by the sale of HOCHDORF
Nutribake Ltd. The dividend payment will be similar to in previous years -
subject to approval by the AGM.

Due to the uncertain economic situation, the HOCHDORF Group will not be
releasing a more precise forecast for 2012 at this time.

Detailed information and figures for the 2011 business year will be
published at the annual results press conference.

Important dates
Annual Results Press Conference: Wednesday, 11 April 2012 in Hochdorf
Annual General Meeting: Friday, 11 May 2012 in Hochdorf

---

Information and Explaination of the Issuer to this News:

The HOCHDORF Group, with headquarters in Hochdorf, is one of Switzerland's
leading companies in the food sector and in 2011 generated consolidated
gross sales of CHF 346.6 million (not audited). HOCHDORF produces at three
sites: Hochdorf, LU; Sulgen, TG and Medeikiai, Lithuania. HOCHDORF
develops, produces and markets functional ingredients, as well as milk and
cereal-based specialities for the foodstuffs industry and the global
market. HOCHDORF's products have been making a contribution towards the
health and well-being of infants right up to senior citizens since 1895.
Our products are sold in around 80 countries. The shares are traded on the
SIX Swiss Exchange (ISIN CH0024666528).

Dr. Christoph Hug, Corporate Communications, HOCHDORF Group
Tel: 041 914 65 62 / 079 859 19 23, christoph.hug@hochdorf.com

31.01.2012 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.
The issuer is responsible for the contents of the release.

EquityStory publishes regulatory releases, media releases on the capital
market and press releases.
The EquityStory Group distributes authentic and real-time financial news
for over 1'300 listed companies.
The Swiss news archive can be found at www.equitystory.ch/news

---

Language: English
Company: HOCHDORF Holding AG
Siedereistrasse 9
6281 Hochdorf
Switzerland
Phone: +41 41 914 65 65
Fax: +41 41 914 66 66
E-mail: hochdorf@hochdorf.com
Internet: www.hochdorf.com
ISIN: CH0024666528
Swiss Security Number:
Listed: SIX

End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service

---