DGAP-Adhoc: Axel Springer AG: Axel Springer posts the highest profit in its history, surpassing the forecast for 2008 significantly

Axel Springer AG / Preliminary Results

25.02.2009 

Release of a Adhoc News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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- Record EBITDA of EUR 486.2 million 
- Record consolidated net income of EUR 571.7 million 
- Revenues jump 5.8 % to EUR 2,728.5 million 
- Record dividend of EUR 4.40 

According to preliminary figures, Axel Springer surpassed its forecast for
2008 significantly, despite the difficult economic environment. The company
posted record figures for its EBITDA, EBITA and consolidated net income and
plans to propose a record dividend.

The consolidated revenues rose 5.8 %, from EUR 2,577.9 million in 2007 to
EUR 2,728.5 million in 2008.

Thanks to the positive revenue performance and the continued strict cost
discipline, the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) came to EUR 486.2 million, a 3.4 % increase over the
corresponding prior-year figure (EUR 470.0 million). Adjusted for the
dividend of ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG and proceedings from the Kirch
insolvency, the EBITDA came to EUR 480.0 million, well above the forecast
of more than EUR 434 million. At EUR 422.1 million, the EBITA was likewise
higher than the corresponding prior-year figure (EUR 421.7 million).

The consolidated net income of EUR 571.1 million was the highest profit in
the history of Axel Springer (PY: consolidated net loss of EUR 288.4
million). Even adjusted for significant non-operating items, including
gains on disposal in 2008 and negative income from discontinued operations
in 2007, the consolidated net income for 2008 was higher than the
prior-year figure.

On this basis, the Management Board will propose raising the dividend for
fiscal year 2008 by EUR 0.40 to a new record level of EUR 4.40.

Axel Springer AG will present the complete consolidated financial
statements for 2008 at the annual press conference in Berlin on March 11,
2009.

Berlin, February 25, 2009

Press Contact:
Edda Fels
+49 (0)30 2591-77600
edda.fels@axelspringer.de

Investor Relations Contact:
Claudia Thomé
+49 (0)30 2591-77421
claudia.thome@axelspringer.de


DGAP 25.02.2009 
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Language:     English
Issuer:       Axel Springer AG
              Axel-Springer-Straße 65
              10888 Berlin
              Deutschland
Phone:        +49 (0)30 2591-77421
Fax:          +49 (0)30 2591-77422
E-mail:       ir@axelspringer.de
Internet:     www.axelspringer.de
ISIN:         DE0005501357, DE0005754238
WKN:          550135, 575423
Indices:      SDAX
Listed:       Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
              in Berlin, Hannover, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart
End of News                                     DGAP News-Service
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