Whether it's paper or household appliances, the crisis invades very different sectors like a flood. The most significant numbers are those of Espresso, which closed the first half with a net profit of 3,7 million euros, a sharp drop compared to 21,2 million in the same period of 2012. Turnover fell by 12 per cent to 369,4 million, the gross operating margin went from 68,8 million last year to 33,3 million, the operating profit from 41,1 to 17,8 million. The only positive note is the improvement in net financial debt: from 108,1 million at the end of 2012 to 86,1 million at the end of June.
“It is the consequence of the crisis that affects the entire sector – the publishing group informs in a note – The outlook for 2013 is still very uncertain due to the continuation of the recession, which strongly influences advertising investments. Compared to the latter, the decline recorded in the first half of 2013 could reasonably ease in the second part of the year, taking into account the progressive contraction already experienced by the latter during 2012; however, in the light of the current economic context, it cannot be excluded that the gap of the first six months of 2013 on the corresponding period of 2012 could be confirmed for the entire year”.
Decline in revenues (-4,8%) in the first half also for Indesit. Net financial debt rose to 520 million from approximately 431 million in the same period of 2012 and from 256 million at the end of 2012. The manufacturer also sees clouds in the near future and does not expect an improvement in the market demand for white goods (Industry Unit Shipments ), which is expected to be in line with the first half year trend.
