Announcements

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), July 11, 2023 +++ Based on preliminary figures, ElringKlinger AG (ISIN DE0007856023 / WKN 785602) recorded a significant increase in revenues and earnings in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In this context, the Group generated revenue of EUR 468.7 million in the months from April to June 2023, up EUR 38.1 million or 8.8% on the figure posted for the same quarter of the previous year.

At the same time, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (adjusted EBIT) stood at EUR 24.8 million in the quarter just ended, which corresponds to an adjusted EBIT margin of 5.3%. The comparative figure for the same period last year was EUR 1.8 million or 0.4%.

As announced at the beginning of the year, the Group will be reporting adjusted EBIT from 2023 onward for the purpose of comparing operating profitability across several periods without the influence of exceptional items. Adjusted EBIT is defined as reported EBIT without the amortization of intangible assets from purchase price allocation (PPA), changes in the scope of consolidation, and exceptional items. Exceptional items include, in particular, gains and losses from non-recurring events.

Based on preliminary figures, operating free cash flow in the second quarter of 2023 amounted to EUR 3.7 million (Q1 2023: EUR -20.3 million; Q2 2022: EUR 3.9 million), while net financial liabilities were scaled back slightly year on year by EUR 9.4 million to EUR 380.1 million as of June 30, 2023 (Jun. 30, 2022: EUR 389.5 million). Compared to the first quarter of 2023 (Mar. 31, 2023: EUR 372.3 million), net financial liabilities were up marginally by EUR 7.8 million. The net debt ratio stood at 1.9 (Q1 2023: 2.0; Q2 2022: 2.5).

ElringKlinger's outlook for the 2023 financial year remains unchanged.

The Group will publish its full financial results for the second quarter of 2023 on August 3, 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.

• 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."

Dettingen/Erms, May 11, 2023 +++ Carole Brinati has joined the executive team of EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies GmbH (EKPO), taking up her new role with effect from March 1, 2023. She succeeds Julien Etienne, who decided to leave the company end of 2022.

Carole Brinati can draw on many years of managerial experience and has been with EKPO's French parent company, Plastic Omnium, since 2001. She holds a Master's degree in Chemistry and an MBA from IAE University of Caen. She began her professional career in various roles centered around purchasing. Having held management positions in France, North America, and Asia, she moved to sales, an area in which she was responsible for major international OEMs. In her most recent position as Director Sales and Programs at Plastic Omnium Automotive Exteriors in Munich, she oversaw business dealings with Mercedes-Benz.

Carole Brinati's responsibilities include Sales, Marketing, and Programs at EKPO. She thus joins the executive team consisting of Dr. Gernot Stellberger, who is responsible for Strategy, Finance, Purchasing, Human Resources, and Advanced Development, and Stefan Schmid, who oversees Production, Product Engineering, IT, and Quality and Sustainability Management.