HEIDELBERG (dpa-AFX) - In the first half of the year, machine manufacturer Heidelberger Druck was able to maintain its earnings almost at the previous year's level thanks to better business in Europe. The SDax-listed company announced in Heidelberg on Wednesday that sales in the first six months to the end of September had fallen by 2.5 percent year-on-year to 1.09 billion euros. However, day-to-day business at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen was significantly better than a year ago. The operating profit (EBITDA) adjusted for special effects increased from 92 million euros to 101 million euros. Price increases also contributed to this. The corresponding margin improved from 8.2 percent in the previous year to 9.2 percent.

At the bottom line, profit in the first half of the year fell by a quarter to 33 million euros due to higher taxes and increased interest expenses for pensions, for example. The company confirmed its targets for the 2022/23 financial year./mne/stk