manroland Sees Growth in Incoming Orders, Records Earnings Loss

Nevertheless, signs of a recovery were apparent by the fourth quarter and an operational turnaround could already be achieved within this period. For the 2011 fiscal year, a return to operational profitability is expected.

The continued increase in demand in the growth regions of China, India and Latin America, along with successful appearances at industry trade fairs—such as the Ipex in Birmingham (England) and Expoprint in São Paulo (Brazil)—were major factors driving the positive order situation.

This positive development was not yet reflected in sales, which at 942 million euros for the 2010 financial year were 15 percent below the 2009 level of 1,112 million euros. The export ratio increased to 80 percent, with a strong gain in the share for the emerging markets. Sales in the BRIC countries increased by 50 percent from the prior year. The services business, primarily consisting of spare parts, maintenance concepts (printservices), and pressroom products (printcom), was further expanded.