Dr. Hönle AG: Hönle Group increases its operating result by 55 % to Eur 6 million

Gräfelfing/München (pta003/22.05.2015/06:00 UTC+2) The Hönle Group's sales revenues increased by 9.3 % to TEur 44,207 in the first six months of the 2014/2015 financial year. At the same time, the operating result (EBIT) surged 55.3 % to TEur 6,013. Earnings before tax (EBT) climbed by 58.8 % to TEur 5,763, while the consolidated result increased by 58.7 % to TEur 4,324. This corresponds to earnings per share of Eur 0.76 (PY: Eur 0.49).
The profit ratios thus improved perceptibly when compared to the previous year: Despite a negative earnings contribution by Raesch Quarz (Germany) GmbH, the EBIT margin rose from 9.4 % to 13.8 %. Net return on sales increased from 6.7 % to 9.8 %.

Outlook
The Hönle Group's business development is influenced by the global economic development. The low euro exchange rate will probably impact positively on Hönle Group's sales development owing to the Group's high proportion of exports.
Given unchanged general economic conditions, the Hönle Group's Management Board continues to expect sales of between Eur 85 million and Eur 95 million for the financial year 2014/2015 and an operating result of between Eur 12 million and Eur 14 million.

Positive sales and earnings development is also expected for the Equipment and Systems segment in the second half of the financial year. This forecast is supported by promising projects in the digital printing, coating and sun simulation segments. The orders portfolio concerning offset printing applications also indicate positive sales development in the next quarters.

Sales and earnings in the Adhesives segment are expected to increase in the third quarter in comparison with the second quarter. Positive sales development respecting adhesives applications is forecasted for the consumer electronics and smart cards segment, in particular.
In addition to the enlargement of the global sales network, the Panacol Group's development capacities are expanded in order to realise the higher sales figures.

The Raesch Quarz (Germany) GmbH business development is crucial for successful development of the Glass & Lamps segment. All measures aimed at achieving the technical optimisation of melting furnaces were implemented at Raesch Quarz (Germany) GmbH. As a result, seven of the eight melting furnaces were put into operation and produce high-quality quartz glass products with low reject rates. This situation lays the groundwork for the company's future success. In this context, we expect continuously rising sales revenues at Raesch Quarz (Germany) GmbH over the short- to medium-term and we assume a balanced operating result for the second half of the year. The company is expected to contribute positively to earnings in the coming financial year.

The complete 6-month report can be downloaded here: http://www.hoenle.de/en/ir-reports/

About Hönle
Dr. Hönle AG is a listed technology company with head office in Gräfelfing, near Munich. With a staff level of more than 500 employees, the Hönle Group is one of the world's leading systems suppliers in the UV technology segment. The equipment and systems are used for drying inks and coatings, curing adhesives and plastics, disinfecting surfaces, and in the simulation of natural sunlight. The company's business activities also include the development and sale of industrial adhesives and sealings. In addition, the group manufactures UV lamps that are used in water sterilisation and for other applications, and produces tubing and semi-finished goods made of quartz glass that are used by various branches of industry. The Hönle Group is represented worldwide at 69 locations in 27 countries by own companies and sales partners.

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Emitter:	Dr. Hönle AG Lochhamer Schlag 1 82166 Gräfelfing/München Germany
Contact Person:	Peter Weinert
Phone:	+49 89 85608-173
E-Mail:	peter.weinert@hoenle.de
Website:	www.hoenle.de
ISIN(s):	DE0005157101 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Regulated Market in Frankfurt; Free Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart