• Preliminary sales in 2017 by 13.7 percent compared to 2016 to EUR 1,017.1 million
  • Organic sales growth at 8.6 percent
  • Preliminary adjusted EBITA increased by 10.8 percent to EUR 174.5 million
  • Preliminary adjusted EBITA margin remained at a high level of 17.2 percent

Maintal, Germany, February 14, 2018- NORMA Group enjoyed significant growth in fiscal year 2017. According to preliminary and unaudited figures, sales rose by 13.7 percent to EUR 1,017.1 million in 2017 compared to the previous year (2016: EUR 894.9 million). This means NORMA Group's annual sales surpassed the one-billion-euro mark for the first time. The reasons for this growth were mainly the overall good economic situation and a high demand for reliable joining technology in important end markets in all three business regions. Global production of cars and commercial vehicles increased and the US market for commercial vehicles and agricultural machines recovered much more quickly than expected. The acquisitions of Autoline, Lifial and Fengfan also contributed to growth in 2017.

Organic growth in fiscal year 2017 was 8.6 percent. The acquisitions of Autoline, Lifial und Fengfan additionally contributed EUR 57 million to growth. Currency effects negatively impacted sales growth by 1.4 percent. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (adjusted EBITA) rose by 10.8 percent to EUR 174.5 million in 2017 compared to the previous year (2016: EUR 157.5 million). At 17.2 percent, the adjusted EBITA margin declined slightly due to higher commodity prices, but still remained in line with the forecast of over 17 percent (2016: 17.6 percent). According to preliminary figures, the business thus developed in 2017 in line with the revised expectations published in January 2018 of organic sales growth of around 8.5 percent. Net debt, including hedging instruments, sank to EUR 344.9 million as of December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016: EUR 394.2 million).

'Surpassing the one-billion-euro mark is a milestone in NORMA Group's history of growth,' said Bernd Kleinhens, Chairman of the Management Board of NORMA Group. '2017 was a very strong year for us, with continued growth in all regions. Our investment in research and development, plants, test laboratories and systems worldwide will position us well for future growth and we are optimistic that we can continue our success.'

Sales increase by 17.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017

According to preliminary and unaudited figures, sales rose by 17.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 to EUR 253.6 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 (Q4 2015: EUR 215.5 million). The acquisitions additionally contributed EUR 12.8 million to growth in the fourth quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITA rose by 15.0 percent to EUR 40.1 million from October to December 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 (Q4 2016: EUR 34.9 million). The adjusted EBITA margin was 15.8 percent (Q4 2016: 16.2 percent). The lowering of the US corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent led to one-time deferred tax income (which has no cash impact) of EUR 33.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. This one-time effect will not be included in the adjusted result for the period and therefore not shown in adjusted earnings per share.

NORMA Group - preliminary figures for fiscal year 2017*

Upcoming events
A comprehensive report with more detailed explanations will be provided upon presentation of the final financial figures for 2017 on March 21, 2018.

Norma Group SE published this content on 14 February 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 14 February 2018 06:45:05 UTC.

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