- Sales rose 38 per cent to 2,951 MSEK (2,131).
- Operating profit increased 36 per cent to 495 MSEK (364).
- Operating margin amounted to 16.8 per cent (17.1).
- Profit after tax increased 34 per cent to 352 MSEK (262).
- Earnings per share rose 34 per cent to 10.23 SEK (7.61).
- Operating cash flow increased to 480 MSEK (287).
- The acquisition of RheTech Thermoplastic Compounding completed.
- Integration of units acquired 2014/2015 (Kardoes, Vigar Rubber Compounding, Portage Precision Polymers and RheTech Thermoplastic Compounding) proceeded according to plan.
- The Board of Directors proposes the Annual General Meeting to resolve on a share split 10:1 so that each existing share is divided into ten shares.
President’s comments
“The first quarter of 2015 was a strong quarter for the HEXPOL Group – our best so far. The Group sales increased significantly, +38 per cent, and our operating profit also increased significantly, +36 per cent, while the operating cash flow remained strong, 480 MSEK. We had strong sales growth primarily thanks to our (in 2014 and 2015) acquired units, positive currency effects and improved volumes in Europe and Asia and stable volumes in NAFTA. Simultaneously, sales have been affected by lower prices for our principal raw materials, which have been lower than the previous quarter and the year-earlier period. We have continued to improve our market positions and the integration of the acquired units proceeded according to plan. Our financial position remains very strong and with a net debt of 232 MSEK, we are well equipped for continued expansion. At the beginning of the year, the acquisition of RheTech Thermoplastic Compounding, a leadingprovider of thermoplastic compounds, was finalized and the business has developed according to plan.”
Georg Brunstam, President and CEO
– Businesswire.com