2017 – A strong year for Wienerberger

Highest revenues in the Group’s history

In 2017 Wienerberger stepped up the pace of growth. Acquisitions in Germany, Austria and North America broadened the geographic scope of the brick business. An acquisition in Romania is still subject to approval by the local competition authority. Overall, Wienerberger invested € 58.8 mill. in value accretive growth and acquired companies with revenue run rates of € 90 mill. and EBITDA of € 16 mill.

Savings of € 11 mill. could be realized in 2017. The past business year was marked by diverging developments in the different markets. Nevertheless, new housing starts as well as infrastructure spending increased sustainably. This trend was particularly pronounced in Eastern Europe and the USA. Overall, it led to higher sales volumes. The development of business benefitted from increased average prices and constant improvements of cost structures. Against this background, Wienerberger AG generated consolidated revenues of € 3119.7 mill. in 2017, up by 5 % on the previous year’s level.

The Group’s EBITDA increased by 3 % to € 415.0 mill compared to € 404.3 mill. in 2016. The Group’s net profit grew significantly in the reporting period from € 82.0 mill. to € 123.2 mill.

Positive market assessment for 2018

The Wienerberger Group again expects to see slight growth in the European residential construction market in 2018. While housing construction in Eastern Europe will continue to gain momentum, Western Europe will still be marked by diverging regional trends. The renovation segment of the region should remain stable. The infrastructure market in Eastern Europe will benefit from the increasing take-up of EU funds. Moreover, the optimistic macroeconomic outlook for the region should have a positive impact on the propensity of private households to invest. In Western Europe, Wienerberger is confident to see a sound development of its core markets.

Positioned for further growth

Wienerberger has earmarked at least € 200 mill. for the purpose of acquisitions and is currently reviewing all its business areas for their strategic orientation. Based on current estimates, Wienerberger may generate proceeds from sales in the amount of up to € 100 mill. during the coming 24 months. Overall, Wienerberger is expecting an adjusted consolidated EBITDA between € 450 and 470 mill. for 2018.

Wienerberger AG
www.wienerberger.com