DGAP-News: Nabaltec AG

Nabaltec AG builds on last year's dynamic performance in 2017 according to preliminary data, with continued growth

• 2017 revenues up 5.9% to EUR 168.6 million despite extraordinary situation in the US;
• EBIT at record high of EUR 18.3 million (2016: EUR 12.2 million);
• Production at US subsidiary Nashtec to resume in 2018;
• Product portfolio in US to be extended with the addition of a new site;
• 2018 revenue and earnings outlook.

Schwandorf, 27 February 2018 - Nabaltec AG posted continued growth in Financial Year 2017 according to preliminary data with consolidated revenues of EUR 168.6 million, up 5.9% from the year before (EUR 159.2 million). Revenues in each quarter were up from the same quarter of the year before. Each of the two product segments, "Functional Fillers" and "Specialty Alumina," contributed to the positive revenue trend. Revenues in the "Functional Fillers" product segment were EUR 112.2 million in 2017, up 2.8% from the year before (EUR 109.1 million). The "Specialty Alumina" product segment generated EUR 56.4 million in revenues in Financial Year 2017, over proportionally up 12.6% from the year before (2016: EUR 50.1 million).

"In a year with many challenges, we were able to demonstrate what we are capable of to a unique degree in 2017," said Johannes Heckmann, CEO of Nabaltec AG. "We posted record highs in revenues and in earnings, with an EBIT margin of 10.8%. And we did this despite losing the revenues contributed by our US subsidiary Nashtec, which came to around EUR 13 million in 2016."

According to preliminary data, Nabaltec AG posted EBIT of EUR 18.3 million in 2017, up from EUR 12.2 million the year before, representing a gain of 50.0%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were up 31.0%, from EUR 22.9 million to EUR 30.0 million. The EBIT margin (EBIT as a percentage of total performance) was 10.8%, compared to 7.7% from the year before.

2018, which will be for Nabaltec a transitional year due to the extraordinary situation in the US, is off to a good start. Following the acquisition of all shares in Nashtec LLC in 2017, construction and technical work is progressing towards realization of the stand-alone solution. Production is expected to resume in the second quarter of 2018. Following the start-up phase in 2018, Nashtec will have a total capacity of 30,000 tons a year. There are also plans to acquire two properties in the US through a US subsidiary which has yet to be formed. Under the current plan, the first stage will be to construct a production facility for refined hydroxides with a capacity of around 30,000 tons per year by mid-2019. A facility for the production of boehmite will follow in a second stage. This project will allow Nabaltec to extend its product portfolio in the US for non-halogenated flame retardant and catalysis applications. The investment volume for the first stage of the project is expected to be around USD 12 million. Nabaltec currently expects the project to have a positive impact on consolidated earnings one year after the facility in the US goes online.

Assuming stable economic performance, Nabaltec expects revenue growth in the mid-single digits in 2018 and an EBIT margin in the high single digits. The start-up phase for the US subsidiary Nashtec will hold down earnings in 2018, which will be a transitional year.

About Nabaltec AG:
Nabaltec AG, with registered office in Schwandorf, a chemicals business which has received multiple awards for innovativeness, manufactures, develops and distributes highly specialized products based on aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide on an industrial scale through its two product segments, "Functional Fillers" and "Specialty Alumina." The company's product range includes halogen-free flame retardant fillers and functional additives for the plastics industry. Flame retardant fillers are used e.g. in cables in tunnels, airports, high-rise buildings and electronic devices, while additives have applications in catalysis and in electric vehicles. Nabaltec also produces specialty oxides for use in technical ceramics and the refractory industry. Unlike halogenated flame retardants, flame retardant fillers contain no hazardous substances and do not require separate disposal. Rather, they actually decrease the development of fumes hazardous to human health and the environment in the event of fire. Nabaltec maintains production sites in Germany and the US and plans to continue to develop its market position by expanding capacity, further optimizing processes and quality and making strategic extensions to its product range. On the strength of its specialty products, the company strives to attain the market leadership in each segment.

Contact:
Heidi Wiendl-Schneller
Nabaltec AG
Phone: +49 9431 53-202
Fax: +49 9431 53-260
E-mail: InvestorRelations@nabaltec.de
Frank Ostermair/Vera Müller
Better Orange IR & HV AG
Phone: +49 89 8896906-14
Fax: +49 89 8896906-66
E-mail: nabaltec@better-orange.de