Brenntag reports solid results for the first quarter of 2020, with increased operating gross profit and higher operating EBITDA

Essen (ots) - Brenntag (ISIN DE000A1DAHHO), the global market leader in chemical
and ingredients distribution, increased operating gross profit and generated
solid earnings and high cash flow in the first quarter of 2020. Christian
Kohlpaintner, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag Group, said, "Despite the
exceptionally difficult conditions, we were able to achieve solid results. The
COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on our business and financial performance
in the first quarter - due also to the dedication and flexibility of our
employees. We were able to maintain business operations at our sites worldwide."

At 3,206.1 million EUR, sales in the first quarter of 2020 were in line with the
prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (-0.3%). Operating gross profit
reached 745.6 million EUR, an increase of 7.1%. Operating EBITDA rose to 262.3
million EUR, a year-on-year increase of 8.4%. Profit after tax was up on the
prior-year figure of 105.2 million EUR to 115.0 million EUR in the first quarter
of 2020. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag
shareholders of 0.74 EUR. Free cash flow reached 161.5 million EUR and was thus
at the high level of the previous year figure (166.3 million EUR). The seasonal
increase in working capital, typical of the first quarter of each year, was
limited by improving its turnover rate.

Georg Müller, Chief Financial Officer of Brenntag Group, said, "We can be
pleased with the performance of our key financial indicators in the first
quarter of 2020. In addition to the positive trend in operating EBITDA, we again
generated a high cash flow. Especially at the present time, this is an important
component and a source of stability in the face of the uncertainty over the
further course of the year."

Brenntag has made good progress on the holistic analysis of the company
initiated at the beginning of 2020. In this context, "Project Brenntag" was set
up with the aim of detailing out conclusions, defining distinctive initiatives
and creating an overarching plan for their implementation based on the findings
of the analysis. "Brenntag's transformation will be a comprehensive journey. We
are now creating the strong basis to drive sustainable organic earnings growth,"
says Christian Kohlpaintner, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag Group.

In early April, the company suspended the forecast for FY 2020 due to the
considerable uncertainty over the future effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
forecast will be updated once the effects on Brenntag's further business
performance in 2020 can be reliably determined. The Board of Management and the
Supervisory Board confirm that the dividend of 1.25 EUR per share proposed for
FY 2019 will be distributed in full, subject to approval at the virtual General
Shareholders' Meeting on June 10, 2020.

Find all figures and details for Q1 2020 on Brenntag's website:
https://www.brenntag.com/

Contact:

Hubertus Spethmann
Brenntag AG
Corporate Communications
Messeallee 11
45131 Essen
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail] https://www.brenntag.com

Additional content: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/108645/4590643
OTS: Brenntag AG
ISIN: DE000A1DAHH0