In the first quarter of fiscal 2006/2007 cash flow from operating activities totaled €66 million, thus edging slightly above the figure of €63 million recorded a year ago. As was the case in the previous year, growth within this area was driven mainly by EBITDA with an increase of 21% to €57 million (previous year: €47 million).

At €17 million (previous year: €6 million), net cash used in investing activities in the period under review was markedly higher than a year ago. The main focus of investments in property, plant and equipment was on other fixed assets and operating equipment, particularly in view of the Company‘s growing outsourcing business. In addition, investments in reworkable service parts accounted for €4 million.

Net cash used in financing activities amounted to €62 million (previous year: €47 million). A total of €56 million was used for the repayment of financial loans (previous year: €52 million). Additionally, the purchase of own shares as part of the Company‘s stock reacquisition plan accounted for a cash outflow of €6 million. There were no stock repurchases in the previous year.