Alstom continues to benefit from a strong commercial activity

The level of order intake was very satisfactory across all
Sectors. The overall decrease of 14% from last year is explained
by the exceptional order of 2.2 billion recorded during
the first quarter of 2007/08 for very high speed trains in
France. With 3.1 billion of orders received during the
first quarter, Power Systems continued to benefit from a very
strong activity, notably in gas and coal. Orders at 1.3
billion in Power Service reflect a dynamic environment for the
service activity. With 2.1 billion of new orders,
Transport also confirms the positive trend of its commercial
performance.


During the first quarter 2008/09, sales increased by 22% in Power
Systems and by 8% in Power Service versus the first quarter of
the fiscal year 2007/08, while sales in Transport were slightly
up (+1% or +4% on an organic basis*).


The total backlog, up to 42 billion, represents around 29
months of sales on 30 June 2008.


Alstom continues to benefit from its good positioning on
the growing markets of power generation and rail transportation:
the level of orders recorded during the first quarter is strong
and the prospects continue to be very positive with both the
upcoming booking of the awarded projects and many new
opportunities. The progressive delivery of the backlog translates
into stronger sales, up by 11%, said Patrick Kron,
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Alstom."


Sector Review



Power Systems

Order intake at 3.1 billion for the first quarter of the
fiscal year 2008/09, remained at a high level, with an increase
of 13% versus the first quarter of last year (+12% on an organic
basis*).


The main orders received in the first quarter of the fiscal year
2008/09 were for gas power plant projects, including 8 gas
turbines in Algeria, Indonesia, France and Australia, as well as
coal power plant contracts in Germany.


Sales, at 2.2 billion, increased by 22% (+17% on an
organic basis*) as compared with the same period of last year,
reflecting the progressive trading of orders booked during the
past periods.


Power Service

In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2008/09, order intake at
1.3 billion was high, up by 2% as compared to the first
quarter 2007/08 (+7% on an organic basis*). This evolution came
from a large number of small and medium-sized projects, notably
in Europe, North Africa and Australia, and one long-term
operation and maintenance contract in the United Arab Emirates.


Sales, at 951 million, increased by 8% (+16% on an organic
basis*) versus the same period last year, confirming the positive
momentum of this Sector.

Transport

Orders, at 2.1 billion in the first quarter of the fiscal
year 2008/09, were very strong. They were down 41% as compared
with the first quarter 2007/08, which included an exceptionally
large contract for very high speed trains in France.


The main orders booked in the first quarter 2008/09 included very
high speed trains (AGV) in Italy, Pendolinos in the UK, tramways
in Dubai and regional trains in Germany.


In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2008/09, sales, at
1.4 billion, were up by 1% on an actual basis (+4% on an
organic basis*), compared to the same period of the last fiscal
year.


Key events of the first quarter 2008/09

Financial situation

With this strong commercial activity during the first quarter of
the fiscal year 2008/09 and the good operational performance, the
financial situation has been further strengthened. The Group
confirms that the operating margin in March 2010 should be at
around 9%.



* Note: currency & scope impacts


The evolution of orders and sales as reported between the first
quarters of the fiscal years 2007/08 and 2008/09 included a
slight currency translation effect as well as the acquisitions of
Ecotècnia and Wuhan Boilers Co. in Power Systems. The
organic figures adjust the reported figures for these effects.


The reported figures by Sector are presented in appendix 1. A
geographic breakdown of reported orders and sales is provided in
appendix 2.


Press Contact

Philippe Kasse, Stéphane Farhi (Corporate)


Tel: +33 1 41 49 29 82 / 33 08

philippe.kasse@chq.alstom.com
 

stephane.farhi@chq.alstom.com

 


Investor Relations


Emmanuelle Châtelain


Tel: + 33 1 41 49 37 38

emmanuelle.chatelain@chq.alstom.com

 


Website
www.alstom.com 

 


This press release contains forwadlooking statements which are
based on current plans and forecast of ALSTOMs management.
Such forward-looking statements are by their nature subject to
a number of important risk and uncertainty factors (such as those
described in the documents filed by ALSTOM with the French AMF)
that could cause actual results to differ from the plans,
objectives and expectations expressed in such forward-looking
statements. These such forward-looking statements speak only as
of the date on which they are made, and ALSTOM undertakes no
obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise.


r - r s t t


r


ALSTOM -