Announcements

• Group revenue up by further EUR 38.1 million or 8.8% to EUR 468.7 million in second quarter of 2023 (Q2 2022: EUR 430.6 million).
• Marked year-on-year improvement in adjusted EBIT of EUR 24.8 million and adjusted EBIT margin of 5.3% (Q2 2022: EUR 1.8 million and 0.4 %) significantly improved, also in the half-year with EUR 51.2 million or 5.4% (H1 2022: EUR 16.8 million or 1.9%)
• Transformation trajectory underpinned by major orders for e-mobility applications in first half of 2023

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), August 3, 2023 +++ ElringKlinger AG (ISIN DE0007856023 / WKN 785602) has published its full results for the second quarter of 2023. As in the opening quarter, the Group managed to expand its sales revenue in the months from April to June 2023. Group revenue was up by EUR 38.1 million or 8.8% to EUR 468.7 million in the second quarter of 2023 (Q2 2022: EUR 430.6 million). Adjusted for currencies, revenue increased by EUR 46.9 million or 10.9% in the second quarter of 2023. In the first six months, revenue totaled EUR 956.4 million (H1 2022: EUR 865.2 million).

Commenting on the quarterly figures, Thomas Jessulat, Spokesman of the Management Board and CFO of ElringKlinger AG, said, "After a successful start to the year, we were able to continue the positive trend in sales and earnings in the second quarter. We increased sales organically by 11.5% in the first half of the year, the adjusted EBIT margin is 5.4% after the first six months. This puts us well on track to meet our targets for the annual period as a whole."

Revenue up in all regions
In the quarter under review, sales revenue expanded across the board in regional terms, with Rest of Europe recording the most buoyant growth. Here, the ElringKlinger Group recorded sales revenue of EUR 145.8 million in the second quarter of 2023 (Q2 2022: EUR 129.4 million), which corresponds to 31% of Group revenue. Revenue expanded by EUR 16.4 million or 12.7% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

In North America, meanwhile, second-quarter revenue was up by EUR 9.2 million or 8.3% year on year. In the first half of 2023, revenue grew by as much as EUR 33.2 million or 15.5% to EUR 247.6 million (H1 2022: EUR 214.4 million). In the Asia-Pacific region, ElringKlinger generated revenue of EUR 83.9 million in the second quarter of 2023 (Q2 2022: EUR 79.4 million). Thus, revenue expanded by EUR 4.5 million or 5.7%. In the first half of 2023, revenue remained unchanged year on year at EUR 165.3 million (H1 2022: EUR 165.3 million).

Positive earnings performance
Whereas the Group's earnings situation in the second quarter of the previous year had been significantly impacted by especially the persistently high level of raw material, energy, and logistics costs, the adverse effects emanating from these factors were contained in the quarter under review. In the second quarter of 2023, ElringKlinger achieved adjusted EBIT of EUR 24.8 million (Q2 2022: EUR 1.8 million) and an adjusted EBIT margin of 5.3% (Q2 2022: 0.4%). In the first half, adjusted EBIT stood at EUR 51.2 million (H1 2022: EUR 16.8 million), while the adjusted EBIT margin amounted to 5.4% (H1 2022: 1.9%).

Equity ratio remains stable, net debt down on prior-year figure
At 43.4% (June 30, 2022: 44.0%), ElringKlinger AG's equity ratio as of the reporting date was still within the range of 40 to 50% targeted by management. The low level of net financial liabilities that has now been achieved in a multi-year comparison improved slightly despite the increased business volume and the development in net working capital. As of June 30, 2023, the Group reported net debt of EUR 380.1 million (Jun. 30, 2022: EUR 389.5 million). The debt ratio improved to 1.9, compared to 2.5 at the end of the first half of 2022.

Slower expansion in net working capital
Net working capital amounted to EUR 529.0 million as of June 30, 2023 (Dec. 31, 2022: EUR 454.7 million). The rate of expansion is mainly attributable to developments in the first quarter of 2023, at the end of which it amounted to EUR 518.5 million. The increase in net working capital is based on several factors, such as higher trade receivables, an expansion in inventories, and slightly lower trade payables. Calculated on the basis of revenue generated at the end of the quarter, this results in a net working capital ratio of 28.0%, which is comparable to both the end of the first quarter of 2023 (28.0%) and the end of the first half of 2022 (27.9%). Also because significantly less additional funds had to be used for net working capital in the second quarter, ElringKlinger achieved a positive operating free cash flow of EUR 3.7 million (Q2 2022: EUR 3.9 million) which was comparable to the prior-year period.

Major orders received for E-Mobility applications
ElringKlinger received significant orders in the first half of 2023, the details of which were disclosed via official announcements. In addition to several orders for the Group's joint-venture subsidiary EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH, these included a high-volume order for the supply of cell-contacting systems for the BMW Group's "NEUE KLASSE." The large-scale series production order has a term of several years and will ramp up from 2025. ElringKlinger also received a series production order for battery housing components from a major global battery manufacturer. And just recently, the Group announced an order for metal battery housings to be used in commercial vehicles and city bus applications. It is to be executed by the Metal Forming & Assembly Technology business unit.

Asked to comment, Thomas Jessulat said, "These orders confirm the path of transformation chosen by ElringKlinger. Both our products from the originally traditional business units and the solutions in battery and fuel cell technology are to be seen as a compelling proposition. The fact that we were quick off the mark in positioning ourselves is paying dividends; ElringKlinger is successfully pursuing the process of transformation. In total, the nominations we have received since 2021 for applications in the new drive technologies amount to a total volume of around EUR 2.5 billion.

Guidance confirmed
Against the backdrop of the general uncertainty and volatility still evident within the economic arena, ElringKlinger can confirm its guidance for the current financial year on the basis of its first-half results and current market assessments. Accordingly, the Group continues to expect its organic revenue growth in 2023 as a whole to be significantly above the rate of change in global light vehicle production. Annual vehicle production output is projected to expand by 5.3% according to the latest estimates by industry service provider S&P Global Mobility issued in July 2023, with the second half of the year expected to be largely flat. As for adjusted EBIT in 2023 as a whole, the Group expects a margin of around 5%. The Group has also confirmed its other metrics for 2023.

Medium-term forecast
ElringKlinger considers itself to be in a very good strategic position in the medium and long term. The company was quick off the mark in its efforts to structure its product portfolio in line with the transition toward electromobility and can also build on a first-class market position in its long-standing fields of business. In the medium term, the Group anticipates stronger organic growth compared to global automotive production levels and continues to expect to improve the level of its adjusted EBIT margin gradually over this period.

Key financials for the second quarter and first half of 2023

Disclaimer

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations, market evaluations and forecasts by the Management Board and on information currently available to them. In particular, the forward-looking statements shall not be interpreted as a guarantee that the future events and results to which they refer will actually materialize. Whilst the Management Board is confident that the statements as well as the opinions and expectations on which they are based are realistic, the aforementioned statements rely on assumptions that may conceivably prove to be incorrect. Future results and circumstances depend on a multitude of factors, risks and imponderables that can alter the expectations and judgments that have been expressed. These factors include, for example, changes to the general economic and business situation, variations of exchange rates and interest rates, poor acceptance of new products and services, and changes to business strategy.

• Series production order for Metal Forming & Assembly Technology business unit spanning a term of 5 years
• Supply of metal battery housings to a global Tier 1 supplier for commercial vehicle and city bus applications in the US market
• Contract volume in the low triple-digit million-euro range
• ElringKlinger to invest an amount in the single-digit million-euro range in new production machinery at Buford (USA) site by the start of production in 2024

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), July 26, 2023 +++ ElringKlinger AG has received an order for metal battery housings from a global Tier 1 supplier. The battery housings are to be used in commercial vehicle and city bus applications planned for the US market. The series production contract covers a five-year term with a total order volume in the low triple-digit million-euro range. In this context, ElringKlinger will invest in new production facilities at its US site in Buford, GA, in the run-up to the scheduled commencement of production in 2024.

Thomas Jessulat, Spokesman of the Management Board of ElringKlinger AG, emphasized, "With its material and process know-how, ElringKlinger is consistently geared up for the transformation of mobility. This order also bears testimony to these credentials. Our ex­pertise in stamping and forming technology, amassed over a period of several decades, provides the basis for the competitive supply of innovative battery components. "

Battery housings and associated sub-assemblies made of metal materials are part of ElringKlinger's broad product portfolio for the next generation of mobility and are already being mass-produced by the company. In this order, the business unit applied its core competencies in acoustic component optimization, lightweight structural design in metal, thermal insulation and EMC shielding. This made it possible to functionally optimize the components offered according to customer requirements.

Peter Walker, Vice President Metal Forming & Assembly Technology, said, "We are committed to supporting a global customer base with our metal assemblies for battery-electric applications. ElringKlinger offers its customers best-in-class service based on decades of core expertise gained in the field of stamping and forming technology – from R&D support relating to the initial product idea through to cutting-edge execution of series manufacturing. In doing so, we meet the most exacting quality standards with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment."

ElringKlinger has been developing and producing components for lithium-ion batteries for various hybrid- and battery-electric vehicle models for a period spanning more than ten years. The company's know-how in development and series production in the field of battery technology covers battery systems and battery modules as well as components for batteries, such as cell contact systems, module connectors, cell covers, sealing systems, and pressure equalization elements.

• EKPO secures contract to supply fuel cell stacks for cruise ship
• Delivery of the NM12 Single stacks has already started
• Initial volume in the single-digit million euro range
• EKPO's fuel cell technology supports development of sustainable and eco-friendly cruises

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), July 04, 2023 +++ EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO) has secured a contract from an international cruise company. The agreement covers the supply of NM12 Single fuel cell stacks for initially one cruise ship operated by the global cruise line. The initial volume will be within the single-digit million euro range. The delivery start of the stacks already took place in the first half of 2023.

Dr. Gernot Stellberger, Managing Director of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, commented as follows: "The agreement has tremendous potential for the future and confirms our commitment to help shape the development of sustainable and eco-friendly shipping with our fuel cell stacks. In addition, the order clearly illustrates that our fuel cell stacks are suitable for a wide range of applications – on the road in buses, commercial vehicles and passenger cars, and beyond the road in industrial settings, on railways and especially for maritime usage. Our EKPO technology provides the best possible basis thanks to its combination of performance, compact design, and high efficiency."

Shipping currently accounts for around 3% of global CO₂ emissions. In Europe alone, far beyond 100 million tons of CO₂ are emitted annually by ferries, container ships, and cruise vessels. This share is likely to rise further due to the increasing importance of shipping. With this in mind, hydrogen-based propulsion in conjunction with fuel cells can help to reduce emissions by a significant margin. Not only can fuel cells reduce emissions, they are also capable of eliminating them – as long as the electricity for hydrogen production is generated from renewable energy sources.

EKPO is supplying NM12 Single stacks for the cruise ship's fuel cell propulsion system. The NM12 Single PEMFC stack module is available with 359 cells. At 2.5 bara operating pressure, it achieves an output of up to 123 kW_el. The NM12 stack modules are designed in particular for applications with high power requirements, such as in the maritime sector.

• Order for metal battery housing assemblies placed by major global battery manufacturer 
• Global vehicle manufacturer as end customer
• SOP at Hungarian plant scheduled for 2023
• Extensive expertise in stamping and forming technology applied to new applications

Dettingen/Erms (Germany) +++ ElringKlinger AG has received an order for metal battery housing assemblies from a major global battery manufacturer whose systems are destined for the battery platform of a global vehicle maker. Series production at the ElringKlinger plant in Hungary is scheduled to commence before the end of 2023. 

Asked to comment, Dr. Stefan Wolf, Chairman of the Management Board of ElringKlinger AG reaffirmed: "ElringKlinger is geared up for the transformation of the mobility market. Established over the course of several decades, our know-how in stamping and forming technology provides the basis for our competitive offering centered around innovative components for battery housings. This order is a prime example. In addition, we have again been able to expand our customer base to include a global battery manufacturer who is currently setting up production in Europe."

The series production order covers several stamped, assembled, and specially coated sheet metal components that are installed as adapters between the battery housing and the battery's degassing valve. The tools required for the associated processes are designed and produced by the Group's in-house toolmaking department.

The order placed by the major battery manufacturer is worth several million euros and covers a period up to 2030; it is to be executed at ElringKlinger's plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. As a global technology group, ElringKlinger operates plants at all major automotive locations for the purpose of supplying customers locally.

ElringKlinger has been developing and producing components for lithium-ion batteries for various hybrid- and battery-electric vehicle models for a period spanning more than a decade. The company's expertise in development and series production in the field of battery technology covers battery systems and battery modules as well as components for batteries, such as cell contact systems, module connectors, cell covers, sealing systems, and pressure equalization elements.

• 73.2% of voting share capital represented at Annual General Meeting
• Proposal for unchanged dividend payment of EUR 0.15 per share approved
• Other proposed resolutions each adopted by a large majority
• CEO Dr. Stefan Wolf: "Against the backdrop of difficult and challenging conditions, ElringKlinger can look back on a financial year that proved encouraging overall from an operational perspective. Our course has also been clearly charted with regard to successfully completing the next stages of the transformation process."

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), May 16, 2023 +++ At today's 118th Annual General Meeting the shareholders of ElringKlinger AG approved all items on the agenda by a large majority. The event was held in a virtual format. The decision to do so was made by the Management Board of ElringKlinger AG at the beginning of the year with the approval of the Supervisory Board. It is to be seen primarily within the context of the sustainability of corporate events and as an acknowledgement of the more flexible options for participation open to domestic and foreign shareholders. In total, 73.2% of the voting share capital was represented at the Annual General Meeting.

In view of the fact that earnings were adversely affected by exceptional items and that a further positive trajectory of bottom-line results is expected for the Group in the future, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board had jointly decided to ensure dividend continuity and proposed to the Annual General Meeting a distribution of EUR 0.15 per share, which is unchanged year on year. Based on a large majority of 99.7%, this proposal was approved by the Annual General Meeting.

The other proposals for resolutions put to the vote were also adopted by a large majority of the shareholders. In addition, the Annual General Meeting approved the actions of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board with 99.6% and 96.9% of the votes and approved the compensation report. Deloitte GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Stuttgart, was appointed as the auditor for the current financial year.

In his speech, CEO Dr. Stefan Wolf took stock of a financial year that was encouraging overall amid major challenges: "Against the backdrop of difficult, challenging conditions, ElringKlinger can look back on a financial year that proved encouraging overall from an operational perspective, but we are by no means content with this." He added that the course had also been clearly charted with regard to successfully completing the next stages of the transformation process.

As regards the far-reaching scope of transformation, the CEO emphasized the Group's early strategic focus. As Dr. Wolf pointed out, "ElringKlinger prepared for change at an early stage and took the right steps in good time." He went on to explain that the Group had aligned itself with this transformation to an even greater extent in recent years. Dr. Wolf continued, "We have taken the first step and can offer a wide range of products for today's and tomorrow's world of mobility. At the same time, we have already secured substantial contracts that will shape the Group's transition and growth in the new fields of technology over the coming years."

As regards the current financial year, Dr. Wolf looked ahead with confidence despite the persistent challenges within the economic arena as a whole. Revenue growth is expected to be substantially higher than that generated by the global vehicle market in terms of production output, while earnings are set to improve.

Klaus Eberhardt, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ElringKlinger AG, concluded his report by thanking the outgoing CEO for his many years of service. At the beginning of April, the Supervisory Board and Dr. Wolf had agreed by mutual consent to terminate Dr. Wolf's contract as of June 30, 2023. In addition, Eberhardt emphasized that the succession process had been initiated immediately and that information would be provided as soon as a solution had been found. In the meantime, the business will continue to be managed by the two board members Thomas Jessulat and Reiner Drews as from July 1, 2023. Dr. Wolf's duties will be performed on an interim basis by Thomas Jessulat, Chief Financial Officer of ElringKlinger AG. Jessulat will also temporarily assume the role of Spokesperson of the Management Board.

A detailed summary of the individual voting results and a transcript of the speech given by the CEO can be found on the homepage of ElringKlinger AG (www.elringklinger.de) - in the Investor Relations section under the heading "Annual General Meeting."