Strong half-year – Schuler raises guidance for 2011/12

In the first half of its fiscal year 2011/12, Schuler AG grew stronger than expected and has thus raised its guidance for the entire year. Consolidated sales of the world’s largest press manufacturer are now expected to grow to around € 1.2 billion in 2011/12. In its operating profit, measured by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda), the Group expects to post an Ebitda margin of around 9.5 percent in its current fiscal year. Schuler had previously forecast an increase in sales to at least € 1.1 billion and an Ebitda margin of 9 percent.

According to preliminary figures, Schuler raised sales by 44 percent to around € 580 million in the first six months of fiscal 2011/12. In the same period last year, sales reached € 403.7 million. Consolidated new orders amounted to around € 768 million (prior year: € 817.6 million). New orders thus almost reached the prior-year figure, which benefited from a boom in investment following the end of the economic crisis.

“Business remains extremely good and we have a large number of promising projects. Growth is being driven mainly by our customers in Asia and Europe. At the same time, we are succeeding in processing the high volume of orders faster and more efficiently than in the past,” stated Stefan Klebert, CEO of Schuler AG, in connection with the Group’s upgraded guidance.

The company will present its final figures for the first six months of fiscal year 2011/12 on May 25, 2012.

About the Schuler Group – www.schulergroup.com
As the technological and global market leader in metalforming, Schuler supplies machines, production lines, dies, process know-how and services for the entire metal-working industry. Its clients include car manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as companies in the forging, household equipment and electrical industry. Schuler is also the market leader in coin minting technology and supplies systems solutions for the aerospace and railway industries. The company employs around 5,200 people and is represented by its own facilities and sales offices in 40 nations around the world. In fiscal year 2010/11 (ending Sep. 30), Schuler posted sales of € 958.5 million with an Ebitda margin of 8.8 percent. The Schuler Group can trace its roots back to a locksmith shop founded in Göppingen, Germany, by Louis Schuler in 1839. The company has produced metal-working machines since 1852.

Press contact:
Ingo Schnaitmann
Head of Corporate Communications
Bahnhofstrasse 41
73033 Göppingen
Germany
Tel.: +49 7161 66-201
Fax: +49 7161 66-907
E-mail: ingo.schnaitmann@schulergroup.com

This release was published on openPR.