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Analytik Jena begins new financial year with considerable growth in the instrument business


WEBWIRE

- Operating result up 86% to EUR 1.158 million
- Liquidity increases to EUR 9.4 million
- Capital increase creates basis for additional growth

Jena, 16 February 2006 – Analytik Jena AG (ISIN DE0005213508) began the first quarter of the financial year 2005/2006 successfully and generated total sales of EUR 5.787 million (previous year: EUR 18.841 million) and a consolidated operating result of EUR 1.158 million (previous year: EUR 0.623 million).

In the “instrument” segment, the Group posted its best ever earnings since it was listed on the stock exchange in 2000. The noticeable sustained positive development since the previous financial year, particularly in the markets abroad, resulted in a increase in sales of 34.8% to EUR 9.413 million (previous year: EUR 6.985 million). In the project solutions business unit, Analytik Jena posted a 46.2% decline in sales compared to the previous year at EUR 6.374 million (previous year: EUR 11.856 million). This change was the result of the acquisition and implementation cycle for long-term projects that is typical of the project segment. Analytik Jena generated over two thirds of its total sales in markets abroad.

The Group’s earnings situation improved significantly in the first quarter of 2005/2006. The gross profit margin increased by over ten percentage points to 37.6% (previous year: 27.5%) following the changes to the sales mix in favour of the instrument segment. EBITDA was EUR 1.598 million (previous year: EUR 0.996 million) and was up by 60.4%. EBIT increased by 85.9% to EUR 1.158 million. The EBIT margin was 7.3% (previous year: 3.3%); viewed individually, this was more than ten percent in the instrument segment. The Group’s surplus for the quarter increased more than twofold at EUR 0.550 million (previous year: EUR 0.215 million). Earnings per share climbed from EUR 0.06 to EUR 0.15.

Cash and cash equivalents increased in the first three months of the new financial year and totalled EUR 9.431 million (as at 30.09.05: EUR 5.529 million) at the end of the reporting period. This is largely due to the successful development of operative cash flow. Group equity currently amounts to EUR 22.601 million (as at 30.09.05: EUR 21.985 million). Despite the increase in equity, the equity ratio decreased to 38.8% (as at 30.09.05: 44.4%) due to the increase in the balance sheet total from EUR 49.511 million to EUR 58.312 million.

The Analytik Jena Group had 452 employees (previous year: 395 employees) worldwide as at the reporting date of 31 December 2005.

In the context of the planned strategic growth, Analytik Jena announced on 8 February 2006 that it would be carrying out a capital increase. The company is to use the funds generated by this measure to expand its development and marketing activities in the bio solutions segment and for its independent entry into the Japanese market. The subscription period for the new shares will run until 1 March 2006.

The Group views the results of the first quarter, the current order book and the continued implementation of the growth strategy as a solid basis for a successful financial year. The company expects the positive business development to continue.

Interim report for the 1st quarter of financial year 2005/2006 (474.41 kb):
www.analytik-jena.de/frontend/files.php?dl_mg_id=2177&file=dl_mg_1140020174.pdf

Analytik Jena AG develops, produces and markets state-of-the-art analytical measuring technology and is acknowledged worldwide as a partner for investment projects in science and industry. Analytik Jena has established itself as supplier of high-tech analytical systems, as well as a provider of comprehensive engineering services in the planning and implementation of clinics or laboratories. The company’s portfolio also includes highly efficient customised software solutions (LIMS) designed to manage the substantial quantities of data that arise in laboratories.

Established in 1990, Analytik Jena AG has developed a strong customer base that includes highly renowned companies operating in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and environmental sectors, as well as universities and research institutes in more than 70 countries.



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