Wienerberger AG: Strongest opening quarter in the company's history

Vienna (pta008/16.05.2019/07:30 UTC+2) Highlights
- Strong operational performance through consistent implementation of value-creating growth strategy
- 15% increase in revenues to record level of Eur 776.8 million
- Adjusted EBITDA at all-time Q1 high of Eur 109.0 million (+89%)
- Fast Forward 2020 program fully on track
Outlook for 2019
- Forecast for adjusted EBITDA confirmed at Eur 560-580 million

The Wienerberger Group, a leading international supplier of innovative solutions for the building envelope and smart infrastructure, started the year 2019 with the strongest opening quarter in the company's 200 year history.

Chairman of the Managing Board Heimo Scheuch: "Wienerberger had an excellent start into the current business year. We took full advantage of market opportunities and consistently implemented our value-creating growth strategy. Combined with a highly positive contribution from our Fast Forward 2020 program, this enabled us to set new records in revenues and earnings. Our strong first-quarter performance impressively confirms that we are on a trajectory of profitable growth and fully on track to meet our ambitious targets for 2019. We therefore confirm our forecast for adjusted EBITDA of Eur 560 to 580 million for the business year as a whole."

In the first quarter of 2019, Wienerberger increased its revenues at Group level by 15% to Eur 776.8 million as compared to Eur 675.1 million in the first quarter of 2018. Wienerberger took advantage of strong demand and favorable weather conditions that permitted an early start of the construction season. The company also benefited from the effect of price adjustments implemented in the course of 2018 in anticipation of rising cost inflation. Adjusted EBITDA rose steeply by 89% to Eur 109.0 million (compared to Eur 57.7 million in the first quarter of 2018). Fast Forward 2020, Wienerberger's performance optimization program, contributed Eur 15 million to the improvement in earnings. The company's net profit increased to Eur 26.8 million as compared to a loss of Eur 19.6 million due to seasonal reasons booked in the first quarter of 2018.

Higher revenues in all Business Units
In its operating segments, Wienerberger benefited from the repositioning of its Business Units, effective as of the beginning of 2019, which are now structured as Wienerberger Building Solutions, Wienerberger Piping Solutions, and North America. On this basis, Wienerberger is able to tap its full potential and make even better use of market opportunities. Each of the three Business Units recorded revenue growth in the first three months of the year. Wienerberger Building Solutions delivered a very strong performance, reporting an 18% increase in revenues to Eur 476.6 million and a doubling of adjusted EBITDA to Eur 85.7 million. Wienerberger Piping Solutions, taking advantage of the market momentum seen in the first three months and a significantly improved cost position, generated growth in revenues (+9% to Eur 224.0 million) and earnings (adjusted EBITDA up from Eur 8.4 million to Eur 17.7 million). The North America Business Unit achieved a 16% revenue increase to Eur 75.9 million; its adjusted EBITDA came to Eur 5.6 million (compared to Eur 6.9 million in Q1 2018).

Outlook for 2019
For the business year as a whole, Wienerberge expects to see ongoing stable or slightly increasing demand, despite numerous factors of uncertainty in the economic environment. Based on the ongoing performance optimization program, the Group will continue to grow, irrespective of uncertain market conditions. Wienerberger therefore confirms its forecast of Eur 560 to 580 million in adjusted EBITDA for the year 2019 as a whole. Alongside improved earnings before tax, positive contributions to earnings of roughly Eur 40 million from the Fast Forward 2020 program and approx. Eur 41 million from the adoption of the IFRS 16 accounting standard are to be expected.

For the complete report on the first three months of 2019, please visit https://wienerberger.com/en/latest-results

Wienerberger Group
Wienerberger is the world's largest producer of bricks (Porotherm, Terca) and the market leader in clay roof tiles (Koramic, Tondach) in Europe as well as concrete pavers (Semmelrock) in Central and Eastern Europe. In pipe systems (Steinzeug-Keramo ceramic pipes and Pipelife plastic pipes), the company is one of the leading suppliers in Europe. With its total of 195 production sites, the Wienerberger Group generated revenues of Eur 3.3 billion and EBITDA of Eur 470 million in 2018.

For enquiries, please contact
Barbara Grohs, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t +43 1 601 92 - 10143 | communications@wienerberger.com

Klaus Ofner, Head of Investor Relations Wienerberger AG
t +43 1 601 92 - 10221 | investor@wienerberger.com

Wienerberger AG is a pure free float company, whereby the majority of shares are held by Austrian and international institutional investors. Additional information on the shareholder structure is provided under https://wienerberger.com/en/investors/share

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Emitter:	Wienerberger AG Wienerbergstraße 11 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Barbara Grohs, Head of Corporate Communications
Phone:	+43 1 601 92 -10143
E-Mail:	communications@wienerberger.com
Website:	www.wienerberger.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000831706 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)