Semperit reports higher sales and pre-tax earnings for first half

Vienna, Austria -  Semperit Group announced a further improvement in sales and earnings in the first half of 2007. In the six months to June 2007, consolidated sales increased by 6.9 percent, to €303.6 million, while operating profit (EBIT) rose by 18.1%, to €29.6 million. Earnings before tax (EBT) climbed 20.1% in the same period, to reach a level of € 31.3 million.

Semperit said all its divisions recorded better sales and earnings. The medical products business, Sempermed, reported a 4.9 percent increase in sales in the six monthperiod, to € 107.8 million. Group sales were negatively affected by the weak US dollar. Earnings before tax amounted to € 5.5 million, compared to EUR 3.5 million in the first half of the preceding year.

In the hose division, Semperflex, sales rose 10.4 percent in the period, to € 83.7 million. Earnings before tax amounted to € 10.7 million (previous year: € 9.7 million). 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.

Semperit's general rubbber goods business, Semperform, saw sales increase 5.6 percent, to € 55.6 million. Earnings before tax amounted to € 8.3 million (previous year: € 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 - which makes conveyor belts - profited from healthy demand from the mining industry. In the first half of 2007, sales increased by 7.2 percent, to € 56.5 million. All subsidiaries of the Sempertrans division reported improved earnings, which contributed to earnings before tax totalling € 5.9 million (previous year: € 4.9 million).

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Press release from Semperit