Zumtobel Group AG: Zumtobel Group announces sound increase in net profit

Dornbirn (pta011/30.06.2021/07:30 UTC+2) Dornbirn, Austria - The international lighting corporation Zumtobel Group closed the 2020/21 financial year (1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021) with a significantly improved result despite the negative effects of the corona pandemic: Net profit rose from EUR 14.5 million in the previous year to EUR 45.6 million. In contrast to the previous year, the company benefited from a positive income tax effect of EUR 11.6 million: Profit before tax totalled EUR 34.0 million in 2020/21 compared with EUR 22.7 million in 2019/20.

"Independent of this tax effect, the Zumtobel Group recorded its best annual results since the 2010/11 financial year even though the pandemic had a strong negative impact on the development of revenues during the first nine months," commented CEO Alfred Felder.

Revenues fell by 7.7% to EUR 1,044.5 million in 2020/21 (FX-adjusted: minus 6.6%). This decline resulted, above all, from a substantial drop in revenues (minus 15.4%) during the first quarter. Business improved steadily in the following quarters - and in the fourth quarter alone, the Group recorded an increase of 9.6% over the last quarter of the previous year, which already reflected the consequences of the corona crisis.

The D/A/CH region, the largest market for the Zumtobel Group, reported a comparatively moderate 3.8% decline in revenues. Austria, the home market of the Zumtobel Group, even managed to generate slight growth of 7.6%. The Asia & Pacific region recorded an increase of 2.7% in revenues. Revenues in the Lighting Segment fell by 6.1% in the 2020/21 financial year. The Components Segment with its global focus was hit harder by the pandemic: Revenues fell by 11.3%, also owing to negative foreign exchange effects.

Increase in operating profit - Stronger balance sheet
The Zumtobel Group recorded a positive adjusted EBIT of EUR 45.5 million in 2020/21 (2019/20: EUR 53.9 million) despite the loss of approximately EUR 87 million in revenues. The adjusted return on sales equalled 4.4%. Operating profit (unadjusted EBIT) rose by more than 23.0% year-on-year to EUR 43.4 million (2019/20: EUR 35.1 million) based on a substantial reduction in restructuring costs.

The decline in selling and administrative expenses combined with lower restructuring costs and a positive income tax effect supported a solid increase in net profit from EUR 14.5 million in the previous year to EUR 45.6 million. Earnings per share for the shareholders of the Zumtobel Group AG (basic EPS based on 43.1 million shares) equalled EUR 1.06 (2019/20: EUR 0.33). The development of free cash flow was also clearly positive: Due to effective working capital management and a sizeable year-on-year reduction in capital expenditure (EUR 38.1 million versus EUR 57.9 million), free cash flow nearly doubled to EUR 100.0 million (2019/20: EUR 53.3 million).

The Zumtobel Group's balance sheet also reflects the positive development of earnings: The equity ratio increased from 27.7% on 30 April 2020 to 31.5% on 30 April 2021. Net liabilities declined by EUR 68.3 million (EUR 97.3 million as of 30 April 2021 versus EUR 165.7 million as of 30 April 2020), primarily due to a year-on-year reduction in borrowings. Gearing fell from 59.0% to 31.6%.

Corporate strategy with additional focus points
The Zumtobel Group continued the implementation of its corporate strategy in 2020/21, whereby the product portfolios of the Lighting Brands Zumtobel and Thorn were consequently aligned with the two-brand strategy. Management also further developed the corporate strategy and anchored two new and important focus points: digitalisation and sustainability. Under the new keyword "FOCUSED", the strategy was extended to include the two aspects "E" (Environment and Engaged Employees) and "D" (digitalisation").

In addition to the systematic advancement of employees, one of the main goals is to become climate neutral by 2025. The Zumtobel Group also wants to firmly anchor circular economy in its business model. "We take this subject seriously and want to take on a pioneering role for the entire lighting industry by implementing these initiatives," emphasised CEO Felder.

The corporate strategy also includes a systematic focus on digitalisation. It covers the development of innovative products with expanded functions and digital services that create new customer experiences and strengthen customer ties. Processes will also be digitalised throughout the company - from incoming orders to after-sales.

Positive outlook - End of adjusted earnings guidance
In its guidance, management refers to the ongoing uncertainty over the economic consequences of the pandemic as well as the sharp rise in raw material prices. However, the Management Board is optimistic:

The extensive cost reduction measures implemented in recent years have produced the desired results, and the Zumtobel Group is leaving the restructuring mode. Therefore, the presentation of EBIT adjusted for special effects is also obsolete. Guidance for the 2021/22 financial year will again be based on unadjusted operating results (EBIT).

"The Zumtobel Group has left the restructuring mode and, as a result, we are now also leaving the adjusted presentation of earnings behind us. Starting with the 2021/22 financial year, unadjusted EBIT will represent our only relevant benchmark and the basis for our guidance," explained Alfred Felder.

The Management Board sees the Zumtobel Group well positioned for profitable growth and expects an increase of 4% to 7% in revenues and an EBIT margin of 4% to 5% for the 2021/22 financial year.

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Emitter:	Zumtobel Group AG Höchster Straße 8 6850 Dornbirn Austria
Contact Person:	Eric Schmiedchen
Phone:	+43 5572 509 1125
E-Mail:	eric.schmiedchen@zumtobelgroup.com
Website:	z.lighting
ISIN(s):	AT0000837307 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)