The FINANCIAL — Recording a positive first quarter, Wincor Nixdorf AG has begun fiscal 2007/2008 (ending Sept. 30, 2008) on a solid footing and can look forward with confidence to meeting its projected growth targets. The supplier of IT solutions deployed within the branch networks of banks and retailers achieved a 10% rise in consolidated net sales, taking this figure to €602 million in the first quarter of 2007/2008 .
(Q1 2006/2007: €549 million). Adjusted for exchange rate movements between the euro and U.S. dollar, growth in net sales amounted to 13%. Earnings before interest, taxes and amortization of product know-how (EBITA) rose by 13% to €52 million (€46 million). As a result, the EBITA margin improved by 0.2 percentage points to 8.6% (8.4%). Net profit for the period rose to €32 million, thus outpacing last year's figure of €26 million by 23%. Given the continued momentum in business development – strong banking business and growth abroad –, Wincor Nixdorf is confident of meeting the growth rates forecast for the fiscal year as a whole. "We have confirmed our forecast of an 8% rise in net sales and 10% growth in EBITA," said President & CEO Eckard Heidloff when commenting on the Group's expectations for fiscal 2007/2008.
Buoyant international business, double-digit growth rates in Europe, Asia/Pacific/Africa and the Americas
Europe (excluding Germany) was the most significant growth driver in the first three months of fiscal 2007/2008, producing a 15% increase in net sales. During this period net sales rose to €333 million (€290 million). With a share of 55% (53%), this region was once again the main contributor to total net sales within the Group.
At -5%, net sales in Germany were down on last year's figure for the first quarter. They amounted to €138 million (€145 million). Thus, business in Germany contributed 23% (26%) to total net sales.
Business in Asia/Pacific/Africa generated significant growth over the course of the first quarter. Net sales calculated on the basis of U.S. dollars rose by 30% year on year. Translated into euros, this corresponds to an increase of 14%, taking the figure to €81 million (€71 million). Correspondingly, Asia/Pacific/Africa accounted for 14% (13%) of net sales in the first quarter of 2007/2008.
The Americas also recorded double-digit growth in the period under review. There, net sales calculated in U.S. dollars were propelled upward by 30%. Expressed in euros, this represents a year-on-year increase of 16%, taking the first-quarter total to €50 million (€43 million). Thus, as in the same period a year ago, the Americas accounted for 8% of total net sales at Group level.
Buoyant growth in Banking segment continues
Net sales generated within the Banking segment improved by 16% to €406 million in the first quarter of 2007/2008 (€349 million), driven by both hardware/software business and services.
At -2%, the Retail segment was slightly down on last year's first-quarter figure, reaching €196 million in net sales (€200 million).
Categorized according to business stream, net sales from Product business rose by 6% to €358 million in the first quarter of 2007/2008 (€339 million). Net sales from Software/Services increased by 16% to €244 million (€210 million).
Net sales from Product business accounted for 59% (62%) of total revenue, while Software/Services contributed 41% (38%).
At December 31, 2007, the number of employees within the Group rose by 199 to 8,578 (Sept. 30, 2007: 8,379 employees).
International trade fair "Wincor World 2008" attracts more than 7,000 visitors
The initial response to "Wincor World 2008", an exhibition to be hosted by Wincor Nixdorf from January 29 to 31, has been overwhelming. Held in Paderborn, the annual event for retail banks and the retail sector is again expected to attract more than 7,000 international guests. For the first time, the mark of 100 accredited journalists will be exceeded.
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