Despite the financial crisis and write-downs, SDAX-listed company Highlight Communications AG (WKN 920 299) with its Film and Sports and Event Marketing segments concluded fiscal year 2008 outperforming its guidance 2008.
The Highlight Group’s consolidated revenues rose to CHF 518.4 million (guidance 2008: CHF 480 – 500 million), an increase of 7.6 % compared to the previous year (CHF 481.7 million). Earnings per share amounted to CHF 0.65 respectively EUR 0.41 (guidance 2008: EUR 0.38 – 0.40), almost equalling earnings per share of the previous year (CHF 0.68 respectively EUR 0.41). Earnings from operating activities amounted to CHF 55.2 million, an increase of 4.3 % compared to previous year (CHF 52.9 million).
Despite write-downs of nearly CHF 10.7 million, CHF 8.1 million of which related to the 7,6 % participation in EM.Sport Media AG, net consolidated earnings amounted to CHF 32.5 million. Net consolidated earnings attributable to Highlight shareholders amounted to CHF 29.8 million, almost reaching the level of the record year 2007 (CHF 30.7 million).
Based on the current outlook and nearly stable exchange rates (CHF/EUR) for fiscal year 2009, the Highlight Group expects consolidated revenues of between CHF 490 and CHF 510 million and earnings per share of between EUR 0.42 and EUR 0.44, which reflects an increase in earnings per share of some10 % compared to the guidance 2008.
It is expected that the annual report 2008 will be published on March 30, 2009 and will be available for downloading from the Company’s website at www.highlight-communications.ch as of that date.
For questions, please contact:
HIGHLIGHT COMMUNICATIONS AG
Investor Relations
CH-4133 Pratteln BL
Telefon 0041-61-816 96 91
e-mail ir@hlcom.ch
