Semperit : introduces sustainable restructuring and transformation, expected pass of dividend

24.01.2018, 20:54 h (Disclosed inside information / Adhoc Release)

• Restructuring and transformation phase until 2020
• Negative earnings after taxes expected for 2017
• Expected pass of dividend for 2017
• Portfolio decisions and further modifications in the production footprint possible throughout 2018

Vienna, Austria, 24th January 2018 - Based on the results of the ongoing analysis and transformation process which have been obtained so far as well as discussion of the outcome with the Supervisory Board, the Management Board of Semperit AG Holding emphatically introduces a phase of sustainable restructuring. The necessity of this decision is underlined by the fact that from today's point of view a single-digit negative EBIT will be reported for the last quarter of 2017. In addition to the current optimisation measures in the Sempermed segment, Semperit now starts further implementation steps for Sempertrans and Semperform. In the Semperflex segment and in Mixing, the focus will be on accelerating the profitable implementation of the still necessary investment projects and of the related organic growth course.

Due to the expected negative earnings after tax in 2017 and the ongoing restructuring and transformation phase, the Management Board will from today's perspective not be able to propose a dividend (0.70 EUR per share in previous year).

The focus in the restructuring phase will be particularly on the following measures:
- Optimisation of operational production and acquisition processes
- Improvement of pricing and price setting processes
- Review and, if necessary, adaptation of the current production footprint
- Stabilisation and sustainable improvement of operational earnings

Throughout 2018, the Management Board will decide step by step whether there will be modifications in the portfolio of existing segments as well as further adaptations in the production footprint after the shut-down of the loss-making Sempertrans plant in France in 2017. The termination of the transformation of the Semperit Group is scheduled for the end of 2020. From this point of time, the Semperit Group aims to achieve an EBITDA margin of approximately 10% as a key controlling figure.

The Management Board also expects continuous one-off effects and restructuring costs in the upcoming quarters that might cause additional volatility in results. For the financial year 2018, increased consulting costs for the support of the implementation are expected assumed. Therefore, the year 2018 will be considered as a year of transition.

Because of the hybrid capital line agreed in December 2017, financing of the necessary investments as well as of the restructuring and transformation phase will be secured, emphasising the long-term commitment of the core shareholder.

Contact:
Monika Riedel
Director Group Communications & Sustainability
+43 676 8715 8620

Stefan Marin
Head of Investor Relations
+43 676 8715 8210

www.semperitgroup.com
www.facebook.com/SemperitAGHolding
https://twitter.com/semperitgroup

About Semperit:
The publicly listed company Semperit AG Holding is an internationally-oriented group that develops, produces, and sells in more than 100 countries highly specialised rubber products for the medical and industrial sectors: examination and surgical gloves, hydraulic and industrial hoses, conveyor belts, escalator handrails, construction profiles, cable car rings, and products for railway superstructures. The headquarters of this long-standing Austrian company, which was founded in 1824, are located in Vienna. The Semperit Group employs around 6,500 people worldwide, including about 3,500 in Asia and more than 800 in Austria (Vienna and production site in Wimpassing, Lower Austria). The Group has 22 manufacturing facilities worldwide and numerous sales offices in Europe, Asia, Australia and America. In 2016 the group generated revenue of EUR 852 million and an EBITDA of EUR 78 million.

< back