DGAP-News

HELLA starts into new fiscal year with a rise in sales and profitability

DGAP-News: HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co. / Key word(s): Quarter Results
HELLA starts into new fiscal year with a rise in sales and profitability

28.09.2016 / 07:00
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HELLA starts into new fiscal year with a rise in sales and profitability

- Sales in the first three months of fiscal year 2016/2017 increase by
5.2 percent on a currency and portfolio adjusted basis

- Adjusted EBIT margin improves from 6.8 percent to 7.6 percent

- Broad product portfolio contributes significantly to sales growth

Lippstadt, 28 September 2016. HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., a globally leading
supplier of lighting technology and electronic products for the automotive
industry, increased sales by 3.8 percent to about EUR 1.6 billion over the
first three months (1 June to 31 August 2016) of fiscal year 2016/2017.
Adjusted for negative exchange rate effects of 1.2 percent and portfolio
optimization in the Special Applications segment, sales grew by 5.2
percent.

"We had a good start into the new fiscal year and were able to
significantly increase profitability," says CEO Dr Rolf Breidenbach. "This
increase in sales was driven in large parts by our broad product
portfolio."

HELLA significantly grew net operating profit (EBIT) over the first
quarter, which was up EUR 48 million year-on-year to EUR 117 million. This
equates to an EBIT margin of 7.5 percent (previous year: 4.6 percent).
Results in the previous year had been affected by the failure of a Chinese
supplier in the Automotive segment that had caused high one-time expenses.
Adjusted for one-time effects, EBIT grew by 17 million to 118 million over
the first quarter. The adjusted EBIT margin increased to 7.6 percent
(previous year: 6.8 percent). The increase was largely a result of a higher
gross profit margin and an improved earnings contribution by the joint
ventures.

Automotive and Aftermarket segments drive corporate growth

Sales with external parties in the Automotive segment rose by 3.2 percent
in the first three months of the current fiscal year to EUR 1.2 billion
(previous year: EUR 1.1 billion). This growth was driven particularly by
innovative LED solutions and energy management products. Mitigating effects
came from project ramp-downs, negative exchange rate developments and
weaker business development of Chinese customers. Adjusted for one-time
effects, net operating profit in the segment earnings (adjusted EBIT) grew
by 25.8 percent year on year to EUR 98 million. This brought the adjusted