DGAP-News

Balda AG reports significant growth during Q1 2014 / 2015

DGAP-News: Balda AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results
Balda AG reports significant growth during Q1 2014 / 2015

12.11.2014 / 07:59

---------------------------------------------------------------------

- Consolidated revenue at EUR 20.7 million during first three months of
financial year
- EBIT positive at EUR 0.4 million
- Consolidated net profit of EUR 3.0 million in Q1
- CEO Oliver Oechsle: "Efficiency measures taking effect"
- Greater demand for complete solutions
- Forecast for 2014 / 2015 financial year confirmed

Bad Oeynhausen, 12 November 2014 - Balda AG generated EUR 20.7 million of
consolidated sales revenue in the first three months of its 2014 / 2015
financial year, compared with EUR 17.5 million in the equivalent period.
This growth can be regarded as the success of having strengthened sales
activities, and is primarily attributable to a higher level of articles
sales in the Europe segment.

"The first quarter shows that Balda is on the right path, and that last
year's efficiency measures combined with bolstered sales activities are
taking effect, so that we are reporting organic growth. We are particularly
pleased that we are seeing growing demand for complete product solutions.
What matters now is to make the most of these dynamics and continue to grow
systematically," is how Oliver Oechsle, CEO at Balda AG, comments on
business trends during the first three months of 2014 / 2015.


Key revenue and earnings figures for the Balda Group in Q1 2014 / 2015

Consolidated revenue was up by 18.3 % to EUR 20.7 million in the July to
September 2014 period. This growth is attributable to above-average
deliveries to customers in the Europe segment, and a related increase in
articles sales. First-quarter business trends exceeded expectations as a
consequence. Balda generated EUR 1.5 million of profit before interest,
tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (previous year: EUR 1.1
million). At the operating level, the Group achieved EUR 0.4 million of
earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), compared with an EBIT loss of
EUR 0.3 million in the prior-year period. The EBIT margin amounted to 1.8 %
in the first quarter of 2014 / 2015 as a consequence.

After taxes, the Balda Group reports net income of EUR 3.0 million. This
result falls short of the previous year's EUR 7.3 million, and is primarily
attributable to a lower net financial result as a consequence of Balda
Investments Singapore having converted its functional currency from US
dollars to euros at the end of last financial year.