Wienerberger AG

Earnings Release • Aug 28, 2001

News Details

Ad-hoc | 28 August 2001 10:00

Wienerberger AG english

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Results for the First Six Months 2001 The deteriorating business environment had a strong negative impact on the earnings development of the Wienerberger Group during the first half of 2001. Sales declined by 11% to EUR 746.4 million. This is, however, a consequence of the divestment of Treibacher Industrie AG, which generated EUR 101.7 million of Group sales in the comparable prior year period. An adjusted comparison of results in the building materials area shows a 1% increase in sales. From an organic standpoint, sales decreased by 3%. Group EBIT declined by 76% to EUR 32.1 million. After adjustments for non- recurring gains of EUR 15.2 million on the sale of the Wiekor Group, EUR 29.8 million on the sale of Wipark Garagen GmbH, and operating income of EUR 7.5 million from Treibacher Industrie AG in 2000, the decline totaled 61%. This is primarily a consequence of the dramatic situation in Germany and its negative influence on neighboring countries. The continuing high cost of energy, which exceeded the prior year level by EUR 13.5 million, represented an additional burden. The transition year 2001 makes it possible for us to intensify optimization activities in all segments and take directed actions to strengthen our market positions. Unexpected weakness in the construction industry will most likely prevent us from reaching our budgeted 13% increase in brick sales. Operating income is expected to fall considerably below the prior year level because of the loss situation in Germany and constant high prices for energy. In addition, valuation adjustments to our factories may be required to reflect the changed market environment, and this could also exert a downward influence on current year earnings. We are already looking forward to 2002. The successful results of our optimization measures are expected to materialize, and support further earnings growth in the building materials area. Vienna, August 28, 2001 The Managing Board of Wienerberger AG Additional information on: http://www.wienerberger.com or contact: Thomas Melzer, T +43(1) 60192-471, investor@wienerberger.com end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 28.08.2001 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 083170; Index: ATX Listed: Amtlicher Handel in Wien; Freiverkehr in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, München und Stuttgart 281000 Aug 01