FUCHS PETROLUB AG, the globally active lubricant supplier, increased its earnings after taxes and goodwill amortization for the first nine months of the year 2003 by 19.5% to €22.7 million (same period of 2002: €19.0 million). The cash flow actually increased by 69.8% to €42.1 million (€24.8 million). This strong performance was achieved against a background of falling demand for lubricants and ongoing high base-oil prices. Internal growth of 2.7% was more than offset by currency-translation effects, however. The Group's sales revenues amounted to €785.5 million (€811.2 million) for the period, and will be more than €1.0 billion for the full year. Profitability will remain good and will exceed last year's excellent result of €24.1 million.
Mannheim, November 14, 2003
FUCHS PETROLUB AG
Public Relations
Friesenheimer Str. 17
68169 Mannheim
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)621 3802 104
This press release is also available on the Internet at www.fuchs-oil.com.