WashTec AG — Earnings Release 2008

Nov 4, 2008

News Details

Corporate | 4 November 2008 07:42

WashTec AG: Successful ‘automechanika’ exhibit in the third quarter

WashTec AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results

04.11.2008 / 07:42

---

Successful ‘automechanika’ exhibit in the third quarter:

– 6.1% revenue growth to EUR212.3m (prior year: EUR200.1m)

– 12.2% improvement in operating result (EBIT) to EUR19.3m (prior year: EUR17.2m); earnings per share doubled to EUR0.73

– Successful exhibit of numerous innovations at the ‘automechanika 2008’ trade fair

Augsburg, November 04, 2008 – ‘Ahead of its time. Excellence right down to the last detail’ was this year’s motto of WashTec for the ‘automechanika’ in September, the largest international trade fair for the industry, where WashTec successfully exhibited its complete product range and a number of innovations to a wide international public. Visitors from more than 60 countries with an increasing share of visitors from Eastern European countries visited WashTec’s 1,250m² exhibit area. The revealed innovations included, amongst others, the new roll-over carwash SoftCare2 with a new design, which is able to wash all current vehicle types from Minis to SUVs. It includes many new features, such as larger wheel washers, a pivoting roof dryer with a 270 range for optimal drying results and the patented new SofTecs2 wash material. The subsidiary AUWA-Chemie GmbH & Co. KG also had its own booth and made its inaugural presentation as the latest member of the WashTec Group.

During the first nine months of this year, revenues of EUR212.3m were generated. This represents a EUR12.2m or 6.1% growth compared to the same period last year (2007: EUR200.1m). In line with expectations, revenues in the third quarter grew to EUR72.7m, EUR1.9m higher than 2007 (EUR70.8m). Due to the financial and economic crisis, the revenues in the USA were below the prior year level while revenues in Europe increased during the third quarter compared to last year. The business development of AUWA-Chemie GmbH & Co. KG, which was acquired in the second quarter of 2008, generated a positive contribution to the group.

The operating result (EBIT) rose year-to-date to EUR19.3m (2007: EUR17.2m). The EBIT margin improved from 8.6% to 9.1%. In the first three quarters, the EBT rose by EUR2.8m to EUR17.1m (2007: EUR14.3m). The net income increased from EUR5.4m in 2007 to EUR11.0m resulting in doubling Earnings per Share from EUR0.36 to EUR0.73. It should be noted however, that the 3rd quarter 2007 included a EUR3.3m deferred tax assets write-off due to the German tax reform. As a result of the positive development the equity ratio rose to 40.2%.

Based on the improved earnings in the first three quarters of 2008, net cash flows from operating activities totalled EUR16.3m and were therefore significantly higher than in the previous year (2007: EUR11.3m).

Forecast

Since revenues shifted into the first half of the year compared to 2007, the revenue growth for the full year 2008 will be below the 6% growth of the first nine months.

Due to the financial crisis and therefore very difficult financing conditions, as well as the negative economic outlook worldwide, the company now expects a growth rate below the original target of 4% to 7% for the full year by stable operating result (EBIT).

It is likely that the business development for 2009 and possibly 2010 will be influenced by the severity and duration of the financial crisis and economic downturn. This will impact mainly WashTec’s machine business for individual customers and the short-term growth potential in the United States.

The strategic goals of the company remain unchanged. This includes expanding the offerings related to all aspects of the car wash business, expanding the market position in the focus markets of Eastern Europe and the USA and realizing further potential efficiencies, which should lead to earnings and revenue growth. Acquisition opportunities to expand the market position will be actively monitored.

The communicated long-term financial goals remain intact, but their timing can be impacted by the duration of the financial crisis and its economic impact.

Key Performance Indicators:

EUR m	Jan 1 to Sep 30, 2008	Jan 1 to Sep 30, 2007
Revenues	212.3	200.1
EBITDA	24.9	22.9
EBIT	19.3	17.2
EBT	17.1	14.3

The full interim report may be downloaded at www.washtec.de.

Contact:

Karoline Kalb, Investor Relations

WashTec AG

Argonstraße 7

86153 Augsburg

Tel.: +49 (0)821 – 55 84 – 0

Fax: +49 (0)821 – 55 84 – 1135

Mobile: +49 175 – 4302025

End of Corporate News

---

04.11.2008 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a company of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DGAP’s Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de

---

Language:	English
Company:	WashTec AG
	Argonstraße 7
	86153 Augsburg
	Germany
Phone:	+49 (0)821 55 84-0
Fax:	+49 (0)821 55 84-1135
E-mail:	washtec@washtec.de
Internet:	www.washtec.de
ISIN:	DE0007507501
WKN:	750750
Listed:	Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, München, Stuttgart

End of News	DGAP News-Service

- - -
46807  04.11.2008