HEIDELBERG (dpa-AFX) - Machine manufacturer Heidelberger Druck benefited from strong demand from North America and Europe in the past quarter. Sales climbed by around five percent year-on-year to 609 million euros in the months from October to December, the company announced in Heidelberg on Wednesday. However, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) fell by 28 percent to 41 million Euro. The company explained this with the booking of the full inflation compensation premium from the collective wage agreement. Adjusted for special items, earnings would have risen from 31 million to 49 million euros.

After taxes, profit in the third fiscal quarter fell from 27 to 10 million euros. Management maintained its forecast for the current fiscal year (ending March)./mne/jha/