Ad hoc: FUCHS maintains successful course: Sharp increase in group profit in first quarter of 2004
FUCHS PETROLUB AG in Mannheim, with international operations in the lubricant sector, has continued its positive business development in the first quarter of 2004. Internal growth amounted to €14.4 million or 5.5%. Due to exchange-rate effects, the nominal increase in sales was 1.3%, reaching sales figures of €266.9 million (263.4). Profits after taxes increased disproportionally by 50.8%. This also reflects the base effect of the weakest quarter of the previous year with a result of €6.1 million. Earnings per ordinary and preference share come to €1.11 and €1.15 respectively (0.79 and 0.83), with figures before scheduled goodwill amortization being €1.39 and €1.43 (1.17 and 1.21) . Earnings should remain high, even if the rate of increase for the first quarter does not continue in subsequent quarters.
Mannheim, 14 May 2004 FUCHS PETROLUB AG
Public Relations
Friesenheimer Str. 17
68169 Mannheim
Phone: ++49 (0)621 3802 - 105This press release can also be found on the Internet at www.fuchs-oil.de. Important Note This Press Information contains statements about future development that are based on assumptions and estimates by the management of FUCHS PETROLUB AG. Even if the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, future actual developments and future actual results may differ significantly from these assumptions and estimates due to a variety of factors. These factors can include changes to the overall economic climate, changes to exchange rates and interest rates and changes in the lubricants industry. FUCHS PETROLUB AG provides no guarantee that future developments and the results actually achieved in the future will agree with the assumptions and estimates set out in this press release and assumes no liability for such.