2004 sales: € 65.1 million, up 23.2%

08/02/05 - Good growth prospects for 2005

 

Sales growth of 23.2% in 2004

 

The Audika Group posted full-year sales of € 65.1 million in 2004, an increase of 23.2% on 2003. This performance was underpinned by both organic growth of +7.3%, which matched the expansion of the market, and by the contribution of new acquisitions. For example, the l’Aide Auditive network acquired in 2003 was successfully integrated within the Audika Group in 2004, and enabled it to launch the Audika Kids concept.

 

This performance fell short of the Group’s targets owing to a temporary slowdown in the market in October, which is traditionally Audika’s strongest month in terms of sales. The shortfall was not fully offset by the recovery in business in November and December.

 

This slowdown will have a temporary impact on the Group’s margins for 2004, though the operating margin should nonetheless come out above 15%.

 

 

Outlook for 2005: continued strong growth

 

Audika has begun 2005 with a number of highly positive elements that will underpin its growth.

 

The impact of acquisitions made in 2004, additional sales of € 3 million generated by new centres acquired at the end of 2004 and the launch of a new generation of high-performance, user-friendly products provide the Group with excellent visibility on its growth prospects.

 

In what remains a strong-growth market, notably confirmed by the sharp increase in the number of prospective customers, the Audika Group expects to achieve sales growth of at least 20% in 2005 (excluding new acquisitions), in line with its average performance of recent years, and forecasts a sharp improvement in margins.

 

The Group has already identified a large number of potential targets, which afford it considerable visibility as regards its acquisition programme, and will ensure it maintains a strong external growth trend.

 

The Audika Group will publish its 2004 annual results on March 22nd 2005

 

 

About Audika:

 

With 290 centers in 74 different regions and a 13% market share, Audika is the number one network offering hearing correction consulting and solutions in France. Positioned on the market for hearing correction solutions for senior citizens, which is not affected by changes in the economic environment, Audika aims to consolidate its leadership in a sector that remains very highly fragmented. Audika is listed on the Nextprime, MidCAC and Second Marché indexes.

 

If you would like to receive financial information on Audika by e-mail, go to: www.audika.com.

 

ISIN FR0000063752-ADI

Reuters DIKA.PA

Bloomberg ADI

Number of shares: 3,150,000



Audika contact, Alain Tonnard / Etienne Sirand-Pugnet on +33 1 55 37 30 30
Kaparca Finance contact, Laurence Marquézy on +33 1 45 22 22 30