Mediaboss Marketing

DGAP-News: TAKKT AG / Key word(s): Preliminary Results TAKKT: Solid operating key figures in a difficult financial year

20.02.2014 / 07:29

=--------------------------------------------------------------------

TAKKT: Solid operating key figures in a difficult financial year

- 1.3 percent increase in turnover in the reporting currency of euros, decline in organic turnover of 2.6 percent

- EBITDA margin at 12.9 (2012: 14.2) percent, at 14.1 percent when adjusted for one-off effects

- TAKKT cash flow reaches EUR 83.4 (92.7) million

- Earnings per share at EUR 0.80 (1.02)

Stuttgart, Germany, February 20, 2014. The financial year 2013 was shaped by the weak economic situation in Europe while the USA showed much stronger economic data. The fiscal disputes at the federal level in the USA did, however, have a negative impact on the US business of some TAKKT companies. In terms of the top line, TAKKT was able to increase consolidated turnover in the reporting currency by 1.3 percent to EUR 952.5 (939.9) million. Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects, consolidated turnover dropped by 2.6 percent. Felix Zimmermann, CEO of TAKKT AG, summed it up: 'The financial year 2013 was not easy for TAKKT due to the general economic conditions. The diversification of our business model proved itself in this environment once again. As a result, we are able to present solid operating key figures today.'

Gross profit margin higher than previous year; EBITDA margin decreased due to one-offs

Read this article:
PRESS RELEASE: TAKKT: Solid operating key figures -2-

DGAP-News: Ferratum Capital Germany GmbH / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Ferratum Group: Starting signal in Germany and Romania

20.02.2014 / 15:30

=--------------------------------------------------------------------

Ferratum Group: Starting signal in Germany and Romania

- Legal requirements for commencement of operations in Germany and Romania completed

- As planned investing partial proceeds from bond issuance in business expansion

- Additional stability of the business model through further geographical diversification

Berlin, 20 February 2014 - Ferratum Group, a pioneer in mobile micro credits in Europe, has successfully laid the foundation for its market entry in Germany and Romania. The company is expecting the commencement of operations in these two markets within the upcoming weeks. Thereby Ferratum is continuing consequently its expansion strategy. This provides the company with potential to expand the customer base and with corresponding revenue and earnings growth. As scheduled, partial proceeds of the bond issuance of the German subsidiary Ferratum Capital Germany GmbH are used for a profitable and sustainable business development.

For the commencement of operations in Germany Ferratum Germany GmbH was established as a legally registered and authorized credit broker, which will serve as an online distribution platform. Owing to the certified licence for the brokerage of credits Ferratum Germany GmbH is able to offer a comprehensive range of services to credit interested parties: From help related to general questions, through detailed advice to the application of micro credits and related products. The services fulfil the demands and needs of a not yet adequately accessed customer segment: private individuals with a desire for easy, fast, unbureaucratic and discrete borrowing for short-term micro credits.

In February 2014, Ferratum has also received the required local credit license for the market entry in Romania. The Ferratum Group will start distribution in Germany and Romania after the successful implementation of the necessary IT infrastructure within the coming weeks.

Go here to read the rest:
PRESS RELEASE: Ferratum Group: Starting signal in Germany and Romania

DGAP-News: Grammer AG / Key word(s): Preliminary Results Grammer AG with new record in 2013

20.02.2014 / 06:53

=--------------------------------------------------------------------

Grammer AG with new record in 2013

12 percent revenue growth to EUR 1.265 billion EBIT disproportionately improved despite intensive up-front efforts EBIT margin increased to 4.6 percent

Amberg, February 20, 2014 - In 2013 fiscal year Grammer AG was able to once again substantially improve the previous year's good results despite ongoing volatile market conditions. On the basis of preliminary figures for fiscal year 2013, Grammer achieved new record revenue of EUR 1.265 billion at the group level, an increase of more than EUR 130 million (2012: EUR 1.133 billion). Total revenue was up 12 percent for fiscal year 2013, thus exceeding expectations considerably. Both divisions - Automotive and Seating Systems - contributed to this gratifying performance with strong growth rates. Revenue growth was mainly driven by China in particular as well as North and South America, the acquisition of Czech headrest specialist Nectec Automotive s.r.o. and the high number of development projects for future serial ramp-ups.

Despite the intensive up-front efforts to systematically implement the global growth strategy, the Grammer Group's profitability improved again in the previous business year. Preliminary consolidated operating earnings (EBIT) rose by a disproportionately strong 18 percent over the previous year to around EUR 58 million (2012: 49). At 4.6 percent, the EBIT margin within the Grammer Group was up on the previous year (2012: 4.3). In addition to the encouraging revenue performance, operating earnings were also influenced mainly by the set-up of new plants in China and the NAFTA region as well as optimization efforts initiated in Eastern Europe in particular.

Both divisions successfully continuing on their growth trend Revenue in the Automotive Division climbed by a sharp 14 percent to EUR 810 million (2012: 711), thus exceeding the previous year's record figure again substantially. Operating earnings in the Automotive Division came to EUR 33 million, well up on the previous year (2012: 30). Influenced by high up-front project efforts, EBIT margin reached 4.1 percent, almost on par with the previous year (2012: 4.3).

At EUR 470 million (2012: 439) and almost 7 percent increase in revenue the Seating Systems Division also achieved new record levels. With an EBIT of around EUR 37 million (2012: 26), the Seating Systems Division performed very well in fiscal year 2013. Supported by an overall positive market development in all segments and regions, the EBIT margin reached 8.0 percent, well in excess of the previous year (2012: 6.0).

Growth trend continued in the fourth quarter of 2013 At EUR 312 million, Group revenue remained at a gratifyingly high level in the fourth quarter (Q4 2012: 282). Consolidated EBIT rose to around EUR 15 million (Q4 2012: 14) in the fourth quarter. Group EBIT margin was 4.7 percent, almost on par with the previous year's high level (Q4 2012: 4.8).

View post:
PRESS RELEASE: Grammer AG with new record in 2013

PRESS RELEASE: Elmos Semiconductor AG: Strong final quarter 2013 sets sales record

DGAP-News: Elmos Semiconductor AG / Key word(s): Preliminary Results/Forecast Elmos Semiconductor AG: Strong final quarter 2013 sets sales record

19.02.2014 / 20:10

=--------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales increase in the upper single-digit percentage range expected for 2014 - Proposed dividend of 0.25 Euro per share

Dortmund, February 19, 2014: Elmos Semiconductor AG (FSE: ELG) has met its targets for sales and earnings in the past financial year 2013, according to preliminary unaudited financial figures. As expected, sales were increased considerably in the final quarter of 2013 once more, setting a new record beyond the mark of 50 million Euro for the first time in the Company's history. Compared to the prior-year quarter, sales went up 18.5% to 52.7 million Euro (Q4 2012: 44.4 million Euro). Recording disproportionate growth compared to sales, the EBIT increased by 26.5% to 7.1 million Euro (Q4 2012: 5.7 million Euro). This result was equivalent to an EBIT margin of 13.6% (Q4 2012: 12.7%), significantly above the result of the first nine months of 2013 (4.1%).

Sales for the full year 2013 were up 5.0% to 189.1 million Euro (2012: 180.1 million Euro). Particularly good news was the strong sales increase achieved in Asia/Pacific (+20.0%). The gross profit climbed to 79.2 million Euro (2012: 76.1 million Euro). This equals a gross margin of 41.9% (2012: 42.2%). The conversion to up-to-date manufacturing standards (6-inch to 8-inch wafers) had a negative effect on the efficiency of chip production especially in the first half of the year. However, the gross margin increased steadily in the course of the year, reaching 45.8% in the fourth quarter 2013. The EBIT for the full year was 12.7 million Euro and thus equaled an EBIT margin of 6.7% (2012: 11.5 million Euro or 6.4%). The performance of the consolidated net income was positive as well, amounting to 9.4 million Euro in 2013 (2012: 8.1 million Euro). Basic earnings per share (EPS) rose accordingly to 0.49 Euro as compared to 0.42 Euro in the previous year.

Because of the sustained positive development in earnings and cash flows, Management Board and Supervisory Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting on May 13, 2014 to pay a dividend of 0.25 Euro per share again.

'Thanks to the strong fourth quarter, we are ultimately satisfied with the year 2013. The upgrade in production has made good progress despite all difficulties. We managed to gradually increase our output over the entire year,' says Dr. Anton Mindl, CEO of Elmos Semiconductor AG. 'Profitability was negatively affected in 2013 by the conversion of our production. These adverse effects will continue to influence the year 2014, yet not to the same extent as in 2013.'

For 2014 Elmos expects both sales increase and EBIT margin to reach upper single-digit percentage values. Capital expenditures for intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are scheduled not to exceed 15% of sales in 2014. Management also assumes that Elmos will generate a positive adjusted free cash flow once again.

Read more:
PRESS RELEASE: Elmos Semiconductor AG: Strong final quarter 2013 sets sales record

19.02.14 15:02 Dow Jones Newswires

PRESS RELEASE: FAST Casualwear AG receives another large order from Europe

DGAP-News: FAST Casualwear AG / Key word(s): Incoming Orders FAST Casualwear AG receives another large order from Europe

19.02.2014 / 15:02

=--------------------------------------------------------------------

PRESS RELEASE

FAST Casualwear AG receives another large order from Europe

Hamburg, February 19, 2014 - FAST Casualwear, a manufacturer of casual footwear and apparel in China, proves its position as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). According to the latest OEM order of a renowned European retail group, FAST Casualwear is assigned to produce and deliver 400,000 pairs of casual children's shoes under a famous brand. The order has a value of about 3.2 million Euros and is expected to be ready for shipment during the second quarter 2014.

Only in January 2014 FAST Casualwear was assigned to produce 500,000 pairs of children's shoes with a total value of about 5 million Euros by the same retail group under the same brand.

'The second order by our new business partner in Europe shows that he is persuaded of our high quality products. We are looking forward to intensifying our cooperation with him. At the same time we are confident to do further steps on our way towards a relationship with additional retail chain customers - in China and abroad', says Wing Chi Chong, CEO of FAST Casualwear AG.

See more here:
PRESS RELEASE: FAST Casualwear AG receives another large order from Europe