Group earnings 166 million euros / Order intake up 6 percent / Target for 2003/2004: earnings as close as possible to 1 billion euros

ThyssenKrupp made a good start to fiscal year 2003/2004. After the economically subdued summer months of 2003 the overall economic picture brightened slightly in the further course of the year. Sales remained steady and new orders increased. The Group`s earnings before taxes and minority interest reached 166 million euros in the 1st fiscal quarter, compared to 141 million euros in the corresponding prior-year quarter.

The highlights for the first three months of fiscal year 2003/2004 were as follows:

- Order intake was 9.6 billion euros, up 6% from the same quarter a year earlier. Excluding currency effects, i.e. with a constant euro-dollar exchange rate, this represents an increase of 10%.

- Sales were 8.7 billion euros, level with the corresponding prior-year figure. Excluding currency effects this represents an increase of 4%.

- Earnings before taxes and minority interest increased to 166 million euros from 141 million euros in the 1st quarter of the prior year.

- Basic earnings per share were 0.18 euros, compared to 0.10 euros a year earlier.

- Normalized earnings per share amounted to 0.18 euros, compared to 0.16 euros a year earlier.

- The Group`s net financial payables amounted to 4,533 million euros on December 31, 2003, 318 million euros more than on September 30, 2003 and 311 million euros less than on December 31, 2002.

Chairman of the Executive Board, Prof. Dr. Ekkehard Schulz: "For 2004 ThyssenKrupp expects an improving economic environment. The predicted economic recovery would have a positive impact on ThyssenKrupp`s business performance. We forecast sales in the magnitude of roughly 38 billion euros. In terms of normalized earnings before taxes ThyssenKrupp aims to get as close as possible to 1 billion euros. With support from the economy and without major distortions on the currency and raw material markets, we could exceed the 1 billion euros mark this year."

ThyssenKrupp is sticking to its target of achieving normalized earnings before taxes of 1.5 billion euros as quickly as possible.

The full interim report is available in German and English online and downloadable versions at http://www.thyssenkrupp.com/fr/03-04-q1/en/index.html.

Contact:

Dr. Jürgen Claassen
Corporate Communications and Central Bureau
Telephone +49 211 824-36002
Fax +49 211 824-36005
E-mail: presse@tk.thyssenkrupp.com
www.thyssenkrupp.com