Heraeus Continues on Record Course in 2011

HANAU, Germany, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Product revenue up 19 percent in 2011 to €4.8 billion
• EBIT rises 23 percent to €489 million in 2011
• Net income increases to €315 million
• Cash and cash equivalents and securities jump to €834 million
• Good start to first quarter of 2012

The Hanau-based Heraeus precious metals and technology Group in 2011 once again surpassed the previous year's record results, tallying the most successful year in the company's history. This was announced by the Heraeus Holding GmbH Board of Management at a press conference on annual results held in Frankfurt on May 10. With product revenues of €4.8 billion, Heraeus surpassed the previous year's level by 19 percent. Operating results (EBIT) also increased by 23 percent to reach a total of €489 million.

Precious metals trading revenue reached €21.3 billion, topping the €20 billion threshold for the first time. This represents an increase of 19 percent over the previous year's level.  

Robust financial structure and high liquidity underpin the Group's success

Over the past financial year, Heraeus increased its after-tax earnings (net income) by 21 percent over the previous year, to €315 million (2010: €260 million). Cash flow from operating activities increased significantly over the previous year to €311 million. A key factor here was the attainment of net income targets. Relative to 2010, shareholders' equity increased by 14 percent to a total of €2.2 billion. The Group's equity-to-assets ratio now stands at 55 percent.

Outlook: Good start to 2012 in first quarter

"After two record years in a row, our focus in this financial year is on maintaining our revenues and earnings at this high level. The first quarter was a good start," noted Dr. Frank Heinricht.

Particularly in the automotive electronics, telecommunications, medicine, steel, semiconductor and environmental technology industries, Heraeus plans to further develop its business over the long term. Regionally, we are focusing on further growth in Asia, especially in China.

Heraeus, the precious metals and technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a global, private company with over 160 years of tradition. Our fields of competence include precious metals, materials and technologies; sensors; biomaterials and medical products, as well as dental products, quartz glass, and specialty light sources. With product revenues of €4.8 billion and precious metals trading revenues of €21.3 billion, as well as more than 13,300 employees in over 120 subsidiaries worldwide, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets.

For additional information, please contact:
Christoph Ringwald
Corporate Communications
Head of Business Media & Corporate Responsibility
Heraeus Holding GmbH
Heraeusstraße 12-14
63450 Hanau, Germany
Tel: +49(0)6181-35-3832
F: +49(0)6181-35-4242
christoph.ringwald@heraeus.com
http://www.heraeus.com

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