Despite the uncertainties on the raw materials and currency markets, Semperit succeeded in increasing its EBIT margin to a satisfactory level in the first half of 2007 compared to the same period of the previous year. The EBIT margin climbed to 9.7% during the period under review, up from 8.7% in the first half of 2006.
SALES AND EARNINGS GROWTH IN ALL DIVISIONS
The Sempermed division reported a 4.9% increase in sales in the first six months of 2007, to EUR 107.8 million. Group sales were negatively affected by the weak US dollar. Earnings before tax amounted to EUR 5.5 million, compared to EUR 3.5 million in the first half of the preceding year.
Sales of the Semperflex division rose 10.4% in the first half of 2007, to EUR 83.7 million.Earnings before tax amounted to EUR 10.7 million (previous year: EUR 9.7 million). The earnings situation was influenced by several factors. For one thing, the strength of the Thai baht against the US dollar had a dampening effect on Semperflex’s business in the USA. In addition, Semperflex faced price increases for several raw materials.
In the first half of 2007, sales of the Semperform division climbed 5.6%, to EUR 55.6 million.Earnings before tax amounted to EUR 8.3 million (previous year: EUR 7.6 million). Once again, seal profiles for windows and facades as well as the sale of handrails in China served as the growth drivers.
The Sempertrans division profited from ongoing lively demand. In the first half of 2007, sales increased by 7.2%, to EUR 56.5 million. All subsidiaries of the Sempertrans division reported improved earnings, which contributed to earnings before tax totalling EUR 5.9 million(previous year: EUR 4.9 million).
POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR THE 2007 FINANCIAL YEAR
The overall business outlook for the 2007 financial year remains positive. The high level of volatility relating to some raw materials as well as the uncertain currency development of the US dollar and the Thai baht continue to be the greatest risk factors. Nevertheless, the management of the Semperit Group remains confident that sales and profits will continue to increase in the 2007 financial year.