DGAP-News: R. STAHL publishes figures for Q1 2019: Slight increase in sales and significant improvement in earnings

PRESS RELEASE
R. STAHL publishes figures for Q1 2019: Slight increase in sales and significant improvement in earnings

• Slight year-on-year growth in sales of 2.8 percent
• Significant increase in EBIT of EUR 3.3 million
• Further reduction in net debt

Waldenburg, May 9, 2019 - R. STAHL, leading supplier of products and systems for explosion protection, today publishes figures for the first quarter 2019.

R. STAHL achieved a slight year-on-year increase in sales revenue and a noticeable improvement in earnings in the first quarter of 2019.

"Our expectations of moderate market growth in the first three months of 2019 were confirmed," stated the R. STAHL's CEO, Dr. Mathias Hallmann. "Our efficiency enhancement programme is running according to plan, as shown by our earnings and financial position," added Dr. Hallmann.

Compared to the previous year, sales rose by 2.8 percent to EUR 67.5 million in the reporting period (Q1 2018: EUR 65.7 million). Whereas sales in Germany and the Central region - comprising Africa and Europe - were on a par with the previous year at EUR 16.2 million (Q1 2018: EUR 16.0 million) and EUR 29.5 million (Q1 2018: EUR 30.5 million), respectively, there was encouraging growth in the Americas and Asia regions to EUR 7.6 million (Q1 2018: EUR 6.5 million) and EUR 14.2 million (Q1 2018: EUR 12.7 million), respectively.

Sales growth and productivity gains resulted in a very strong increase in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) to EUR 1.0 million (Q1 2018: EUR -2.3 million). Earnings before taxes of
EUR 0.1 million (Q1 2018: EUR -3.5 million) were also greatly improved.

As of 31 March 2019, net debt was further reduced to EUR 2.6 million. At the end of the reporting period, the net debt ratio (net debt/EBITDA) amounted to 0.4. Free cash flow improved strongly to EUR 4.9 million (Q1 2018: EUR -4.9 million).

"We are closely monitoring the current geopolitical trends and trade conflicts. This could well lead to subdued market sentiment in individual sectors and it remains a challenging year," stated CFO Volker Walprecht.

 

Investors' and analysts' conference call of R. STAHL AG for Q1 2019

The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mathias Hallmann, and the Chief Financial Officer of R. STAHL AG, Volker Walprecht, will explain the results of Q1 2019 during an investors' and analysts' conference call at 10 am today and subsequently be available for questions and discussions. The investors' and analysts' conference call will be held in English.

To participate, please dial the following phone number at the time indicated and enter the participant PIN, together with your first and last name and the name of your company, when requested:
 

DE: +4969201744210
UK: +442030092470
USA: +18774230830
Participant PIN: 80620913#

During the conference call, we will be displaying the corresponding presentation slides online. Please log in to the following website (no password required):

Website: https://webcasts.eqs.com/rstahl20190509/no-audio

A recording of the conference call will be subsequently available on the corporate website at:

https://r-stahl.com/en/global/corporate/investor-relations/ir-news-and-publications/events-and-presentations/
 

Financial calendar 2019

About R. STAHL - www.r-stahl.com

R. STAHL is the world's leading supplier of electrical and electronic products and systems for explosion protection. These products and systems prevent explosions in hazardous areas and contribute to the safety of people, machines and the environment. The portfolio ranges from products used in switching/distributing, installing, operating/monitoring, lighting and signalling/alarming up to automation. Typical customers operate in growth industries, such as the oil & gas industry, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and the food industry. In 2018, sales amounting to around EUR 280 million were generated by 1,690 employees.

The shares of R. STAHL AG are traded on the Regulated Market/Prime Standard of Deutsche Boerse (ISIN DE000A1PHBB5).
 

Contact:
R. STAHL AG
Am Bahnhof 30, 74638 Waldenburg (Württ.), Germany
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
T: +49 7942 943-1395
E: investornews@stahl.de