AkzoNobel publishes Q4 and full-year 2016 results

February 15, 2017

Volume growth and record profitability in 2016

Akzo Nobel N.V. (AKZA.AS; AKZOY)

Full-year:

  • Delivering on our strategy with volume growth and record profitability in 2016

  • Volume growth in Decorative Paints and Specialty Chemicals; flat in Performance Coatings

  • Revenue down 4% due to unfavorable currency and price/mix effects

  • EBIT1 up 3% at €1,502 million (2015: €1,462 million), positively impacted by volume growth, continuous improvement and lower costs

  • Record profitability: Return on sales2 increased to 10.6% (2015: 9.8%) and return on investment2 improved to 15.0% (2015: 14.0%)

  • Adjusted earnings per share up 3% at €4.15 (2015: €4.02)

  • Total dividend proposed for 2016 up 6.5% to €1.65 per share (2015: €1.55)

  • Net cash inflow from operating activities up 14% at €1,297 million (2015: €1,136 million)

  • Acquisition of BASF`s Industrial Coatings business completed

  • Ongoing investments in new capacity to support organic growth including in the US, UK, China and India

  • Sustainable innovation: Revenue from eco premium3 solutions reached 20%


Outlook: In 2017 AkzoNobel anticipates positive developments for EMEA, North America and Asia, improving during the year, while Latin America is expected to stabilize. Some economic and political uncertainty is expected to remain. Market trends experienced in the second part of 2016, including for the marine and oil & gas industries, are expected to continue in the first half 2017.

AkzoNobel has structurally improved its ability to respond to developments in its markets and is taking appropriate measures to deal with higher raw material prices in an inflationary environment. This stronger operational and financial foundation means AkzoNobel is more agile and better able to seize growth opportunities, including acquisitions. AkzoNobel maintains its financial guidance for 2016-2018.

CEO Ton Büchner:

"We achieved record levels of profitability in 2016 and are making further steps in delivering on our strategy of continuous improvement and growth.

"Our financial discipline also improved cash generation and our current share buyback program reinforces our confidence in this moving forward.

"We have structurally improved our ability to respond to developments in our markets and are better able to seize growth opportunities, including acquisitions. We completed the purchase of the BASF Industrial Coatings business in December 2016.

"We continued to invest to support growth, with new plants and research facilities in the US, UK, China and India.

"Throughout the year we introduced more innovative new products, advanced our digital agenda and made significant steps in sustainability with higher levels of revenue from our eco premium solutions. Our Human Cities program - everything we do for and with society - positively impacted millions of people around the world.