Tarkett AG
Tarkett AG: Group results January – September 2004

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Tarkett: Group results January – September 2004 Frankenthal.- In the first nine months of 2004, Tarkett AG achieved a turnover of EUR 1,091.1 million compared to EUR 1,064.0 million in the same period of the previous year. This corresponds to an increase of 2.5 % at current exchange rates and 4.8 % at constant exchange rates. At current exchange rates, net sales grew by 2.4 % to EUR 1,053.6 million as compared to EUR 1,029.4 million. The sales development by product segments and at current exchange rates (figures at constant exchange rates in brackets): Resilient Floorings grew by 3.2 % (5.5 %) – mainly as a result of the high contribution coming from the joint venture with Sintelon. Resilient Residential recorded a plus of 4 % (5.6 %), while the Commercial segment grew by 2.5 % (5.4 %). Sales in the Wood area increased by 0.7 % (5.1 %) whereas the Laminate business was able to continue its growth with a strong plus of 38.1 % (38.2 %). Sales in the individual regions and markets at current exchange rates (figures at constant exchange rates in brackets) developed as follows: with a plus of 1.9 % (1.8 %), West Europe showed a slightly positive sales development, mainly due to the sales increase of 8.4 % (7 %) in Great Britain and a plus of 7.4 % (+7.5 %) in South Europe including the Benelux countries, while Scandinavia recorded a minus of 3.7 % (-3.7%). Sales in East Europe including Russia continued to grow and reached a plus of 19.6 % (19.6 %), predominantly influenced by the positive sales contribution coming from the joint venture with Sintelon. Sales in North America decreased by 4.2 %, whereas, at constant exchange rates, a plus of 4.1 % would have been achieved. EBITA decreased from EUR 83 million in the first nine months of 2003 to EUR 80.3 million for the same period in 2004. The main reasons for this negative development are lower margins as a result of the intensive competition mainly on the markets for residential products as well as the continued increase in raw material prices for resilient products that started in the 1st quarter. The Group’s debt was reduced by 13 % to EUR 262 million at the end of September 2004. Tarkett’s net profit grew by 14,2 % from EUR 34.6 million for the first three quarters of 2003 to EUR 39.5 million for the same period 2004. The continued high raw material prices as well as a possibly weakening economic situation in important markets as a result of the increasing oil price will definitely have a negative impact on the Group’s general business and profitability. Tarkett AG will react to this with further cost-cutting measures and continue its strategy with a focus on innovation, growth markets and increased productivity. end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 17.11.2004 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 700200; ISIN: DE0007002008; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (General Standard); Geregelter Markt in Berlin-Bremen; Freiverkehr in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Stuttgart 170808 Nov 04