Sika records strong growth

Sales at Sika rose by a strong 18.3% in the 2000 business year (previous year 7.5%), meaning net sales increased from CHF 1689 m to reach CHF 1998 m. Both divisions – Construction and Industry – contributed to this rise in sales with double-digit growth rates, thereby reinforcing their competitive positions in the global market.

Group net profit reached CHF 104.6 m (previous year CHF 92.7 m), for the first time passing the CHF 100 m threshold. There was a sharp 15.8% rise in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), while cash flow came in an impressive 25.7% higher.

The net turnovers during the first three months of 2001 were in line with expectations, and lie in local currencies 17.4% above those seen in the previous year (11.8% of which was attributable to acquisitions). The 2001 business year is likely to be less dynamic, although performance will remain within the medium- term targets. Thanks to our world-wide market presence, comprehensive product range and the support of strong subsidiaries, we are expecting to see sustained internal growth of the long-lasting business activities, notwithstanding the economic slowdown, due above all to innovative products.

The rise in the Holding’s net profit from CHF 34.1 m to CHF 39.8 m enables the Board of Directors to propose to the Annual General Meeting an increase in dividends from 21 to 23 %.

The complete business report can be accessed under www.sika.com (section: Investor Relations), or can be ordered from this website.

Please click on the link below for the key figures.