According to these figures, Group sales increased slightly last year from Euro 975 million to Euro 977 million. Given the receding overall market, this indicates a further improvement in Villeroy & Boch market share.
For the first time, the Annual Financial Report has been prepared in accordance with IAS [International Accounting Standards]. Although as yet not finally approved, the consolidated financial statements show an operating result (EBIT) of Euro 27.0 million, the same level as in the previous financial year (Euro 27.0 million in accordance with IAS). The Euro 10.2 million result after taxes, is higher than that of Euro 9.6 million in the previous year, owing to a lower tax-load ratio than in the previous financial year.
At the Supervisory Board Meeting on Financial Statements in March, the Executive Board will, on the basis of these results, propose to the Supervisory Board, that the dividend distribution remain unchanged at an amount of Euro 0.55 (previous year: Euro 0.55) per preference share and Euro 0.50 (previous year: Euro 0.50) per ordinary share.
