Successful first half of 2010 for mobilezone - consolidated profit increases by 15 percent to CHF 10.9 million

Regensdorf, August 20, 2010 – The independent telecom specialist mobilezone has produced positive results for the first half of 2010. The company increased its operating profit (EBIT) by 12.5 percent to CHF 13.0 million. Consolidated profit rose by 15.2 percent to CHF 10.9 million, corresponding to a return on sales of 8.2 percent. Net sales amounted to CHF 133.4 million.

mobilezone was able to increase its gross profit in the first half of 2010 by 2.4 percent to CHF 46.7 million (previous year: CHF 45.6 million). Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 12.5 percent to CHF 13.0 million (previous year: CHF 11.6 million). The company´s EBITDA result of CHF 17.5 million is also 3.6 percent higher than the previous year´s value of CHF 16.9 million. Net sales fell in the first half of 2010 by 4.7 percent to CHF 133.4 million (previous year: CHF 140.0 million).

During the first half of 2010, mobilezone produced a consolidated profit of CHF 10.9 million (previous year: CHF 9.5 million). Consolidated equity amounted to CHF 71.3 million (previous year: CHF 66.1 million) or 78.8 percent. During this period, the company produced an operating cash flow of CHF 17.3 million (previous year: CHF 10.2 million).


Attractive dividend for shareholders

In April 2010, dividends totaling CHF 19.7 million (previous year: CHF 15.4 million) were distributed to shareholders, representing a dividend increase of 27.9 percent compared to the previous year. mobilezone aims to pursue a dividend policy that is sustainable in the long term, allowing shareholders to also benefit from an attractive dividend yield in future.


Launch of online shop, further strengthening of customer proximity

As an independent telecom specialist, mobilezone promotes transparency in the telecommunications market - a transparency from which all customers in Switzerland should benefit. And it is for this reason that mobilezone´s strategy in recent years has been to offer consumers as many points of contact as possible. A highlight of this strategy during the first half of 2010 was the launch of the company´s new online shop at the end of March. This new 24/7 service allows customers to shop at mobilezone online, make use of its comprehensive range of services or even enter into or extend a mobile phone contract.

mobilezone also continued to extend its shop network in the first half of 2010: In addition to the already existing network, mobilezone opened new shops in Pratteln, Effretikon, Lucerne-Schönbühl, Avry, Sion and Langendorf, so that its network now contains 139 shops throughout Switzerland. The company also plans to continue the extension of its shop network during the second half of the year.


Optimistic outlook for second half of 2010

mobilezone predicts the positive trend to continue for the remainder of the financial year. The launch of new innovative mobile phone models by Apple, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson is planned for the second half of the year. A few of these new models were already announced in March, probably causing some consumers to defer their purchase of a new mobile phone. A returns promotion for used mobile phones, introduced by mobilezone in August, is also an attractive offer providing real added value for consumers. mobilezone plans further attractive activities for consumers during the second half of the year.