Gross profit rose from 64.9 million Euro in 2007 to 68.5 million Euro in 2008 (+5.6%). Gross margins were reduced to 12.7% as a result of continuing strong pressure on prices on the sales side (previous year: 13.8%).
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased by 15.3% from 19.2 million Euro in 2007 to 16.2 million Euro in 2008.
In the past fiscal year EBITDA included expenses of more than 2 million Euro in connection with the public takeover offer and the control and profit transfer agreement as well as the Extraordinary General Meeting. Earnings per share stood at Euro 1.34 in 2008 compared to Euro 1.62 in 2007.
The e-security division increased turnover by 16.6% to 480.7 million Euro in 2008 (previous year: 412.1 million Euro). Turnover of 45.6 million Euro was achieved in the e-business division compared to 46.6 million Euro in the same period last year. In the professional services segment turnover rose by 7.7% to 11.2 million Euro in 2008.
David Ellis, director of e-security, professional services and training, said: "These results demonstrate our continued strength as a global player in the IT security market, particularly in the current climate."
On a quarterly basis the Group increased turnover by 10.8% to 172.5 million Euro in the 4th quarter of 2008 (same period last year: 155.7 million Euro).
We are assuming maximum single-digit growth rates in turnover for all three COMPUTERLINKS business divisions (e-security, e-business and professional services) for the current fiscal year 2009 with further decreasing margins in view of the difficult global economic scenario. However we are well equipped to survive the present economic crisis and ultimately come out of this stronger.”