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freenet AG improves earnings figures in the third quarter and at the same time increases number of contract customers significantly - Seite 3

(previous year: 5.2 million euros), the Group result increased in the third
quarter by 2.6 million euros to 66.2 million euros (previous year: 63.6
million euros). This corresponds to earnings per share of 0.52 euros in the
quarter under review (previous year: 0.50 euros). The Group result in the
first nine months of 2014 consequently totalled 180.7 million euros
(previous year: 179.2 million euros), corresponding to earnings per share
of 1.41 euros (previous year: 1.40 euros).

Free cash flow increased by 4.7 million euros to 79.6 million euros in the
last quarter (previous year: 74.9 million euros). This increase is
primarily attributable to increased cash flow from operating activities
totalling 87.9 million euros (previous year: 81.9 million euros). Cash flow
from investing activities in the third quarter of 2014 totalled -5.3
million euros (previous year: -7.6 million euros). The main investments
were again made in the field of proprietary software in connection with
numerous strategic projects. In the end, cash flow from financing
activities in the third quarter came to -0.9 million euros (previous year:
-40.7 million euros), which is attributable to the scheduled redemption of
the amortisation loan in the corresponding quarter last year.

"Based on the further improvement in our business results in the first nine
months, we are confirming our earnings and cash flow forecast for the
financial years 2014 and 2015," adds Joachim Preisig, CFO of freenet AG.

The Executive Board is forecasting Group EBITDA of approximately 365
million euros and some 370 million euros respectively for the financial
years 2014 and 2015, plus a free cash flow* of around 265 million euros and
280 million euros respectively. In making these forecasts, the company is
assuming a decrease of between 5 per cent and 8 per cent in Group revenue
in the current financial year, as in 2014 the company decided to dispense
with hardware trading activities with very low margins. The Executive Board
expects revenue to stabilise in the financial year 2015.

The complete interim report as of 30 September 2014 - third quarter of 2014
can be downloaded at www.freenet-group.de/investor and the conference call
will be transmitted there via webcast at 10 a.m. CET on 7 November 2014.

*Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities, minus
investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, plus
proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets.



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Language: English
Company: freenet AG
Hollerstraße 126
24782 Büdelsdorf
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.freenet-group.de
ISIN: DE000A0Z2ZZ5, DE000A1KQXU0
WKN: A0Z2ZZ , A1KQXU
Indices: TecDAX
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard);
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover,
München, Stuttgart


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