Incoming orders in the period climbed 13 percent to 1.996 billion Euro (previously 1.760 billion Euro). The order backlog of 1.343 billion Euro at the end of the second quarter was at the same high level as the previous quarter.
The Heidelberg Group recorded a result of operating activities of 118 million Euro in the first half year (previous year: 72 million Euro). This includes one-off effects worth 25 million Euro – among other things for the sale of the Linotype holding. The net profit after six months more than doubled to 68 million Euro (previous year: 31 million Euro).
In the Press Division (offset printing), sales rose to 1.423 billion Euro in the first six months (previous year: 1.330 billion Euro). Incoming orders in the period under review amounted to 1.762 billion Euro (previous year: 1.557 billion Euro). The result of operating activities in the first half year totalled 96 million Euro (previous year: 64 million Euro).
In the Postpress Division (finishing), half-yearly sales were 186 million Euro (previous year: 174 million Euro). Incoming orders were 215 million Euro (previous year: 178 million Euro). The result of operating activities achieved break-even (previous year: minus two million Euro).
Sales in the EMEA, North America, Latin America and Eastern Europe regions in the first half year exceeded the comparable figures for the previous year. In the Asia/Pacific region, sales figures were almost on a par with the high levels of the previous year. The temporary suspension of the tax exemption in China had a decelerating effect on incoming orders and sales.
Heidelberg CFO, Dirk Kaliebe says: “The improvement in results in the first half year shows that Heidelberg has made further progress towards improving its profitability. The launch of new products and measures to improve competitiveness have made their mark on results. We will continue to do everything we can to improve our competitive edge.”
