· Growth in underlying EBIT for all business areas
· Positive effects from value add strategy
· Improved cost position and lower overhead costs
Group performance
Sapa further improved its underlying EBIT in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the same period last year, ending the quarter at NOK 778 million. The increase was driven by a higher share of value add business and internal improvements for all business areas, as well as higher volumes in Europe. All business areas improved their underlying EBIT.
Net interest bearing debt at the end of the first quarter amounted to NOK 0.3 billion.
Market development
In North America, total demand for extruded products increased by 1.7 percent1 compared to the same quarter last year. The increase was driven by stronger automotive demand and higher building and construction activities whereas demand from commercial transportation was declining.
In Europe, total demand for extruded products increased by 1.8 percent1 compared to the same quarter last year. Europe experienced stronger automotive and transportation demand, as well as an improved building and construction market.
Key Figures - Sapa (100%)
| Sapa | Q1 2016 | Q2 2016 | Q3 2016 | Q4 2016 | Q1 2017 |
| Volume (kmt) | 349 | 366 | 340 | 310 | 355 |
| Total operating revenues (mNOK) | 13 905 | 14 071 | 13 140 | 12 210 | 14 323 |
| Underlying EBITDA (mNOK) | 901 | 1 132 | 812 | 653 | 1 100 |
| Underlying EBIT (mNOK) | 571 | 804 | 487 | 335 | 778 |
| Reported EBIT (mNOK) | 655 | 920 | 497 | 350 | 856 |
Orkla ASA
Oslo, 28 April 2017
[1] Source: CRU data
Ref.:
Senior Vice President Investor Relations
Mattias Orrenius
Tel.: +47 983 66 334
Email: mattias.orrenius@orkla.no
