WP AG: First quarter 2015

Solid start into the first quarter of WP AG

Munderfing (pta020/12.05.2015/12:15 UTC+2) Solid start into the first quarter of WP AG
- Strong growth in revenues compared to the previous year
- Earnings from continuing operations increased significantly due to an improved financial result
- EBIT just below the previous year's level

Earnings figures		Q1 2015	Q1 2014	Change in %
Revenues	kEUR	33,796	29,046	16%
EBIT	kEUR	1,972	2,115	-7%
EBIT margin	in %	5.8%	7.3%
Earnings from continuing operations	kEUR	1,711	1,307	31%
Number of employees March 31		512	476	8%

In the first quarter of 2015 the group revenue of the WP Group was at EUR 33.8 m (previous year: EUR 29.1 m). The revenue could be increased in all product segments.

In January 2015 the series production for the new product group "semi-active chassis" commenced. The initial costs from the start of the series production lowered the operating margin. These extraordinary effects have been included in the planning. The EBIT of the WP Group amounted to EUR 2.0 m and was 7% lower compared to the previous year (previous year: EUR 2.1 m).

The earnings from continuing operations could be increased by 31% to EUR 1.7 m due to a significant development of the financial result. Lower interest expenses and a favorable development of exchange rates contributed to this.

Outlook
CEO Hannes Haunschmid: " In January 2015, after a development period of about 5 years, we were able to introduce a semi-active chassis for motorcycles onto the market. The series production squeezed the profit margin in the first quarter, however we expect significant revenue impulses for WP due to this new technology. The very positive development of revenues lets expect a good operating result for 2015 despite the launch of new productions."

Further information:
Investor Relations
Michaela Friepess
E-Mail: investor@wp-group.com

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