Q1 2022: Earnings down markedly year on year

Dettingen/Erms (Germany), April 14, 2022 +++ Based on preliminary figures, ElringKlinger AG (ISIN DE0007856023 / WKN 785602) generated consolidated revenue of EUR 434.6 million (Q1 2021: EUR 424.1 million) and consolidated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 14.1 million (Q1 2021: EUR 48.4 million) in the first quarter of 2022. This corresponds to an EBIT margin of 3.3% (Q1 2021: 11.4%). In order to counteract the effects of bottlenecks seen within global supply chains, inventory management was temporarily adjusted. As a result, operating free cash flow stood at EUR -19.8 million (Q1 2021: EUR 28.6 million).

Revenue slightly exceeded the previous year's level despite the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the volatile situation throughout the commodity markets, and persistent supply-side scarcity within the semiconductor industry. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue remained largely unchanged year on year.

Earnings, which had included the proceeds from the sale of the Austrian subsidiary in the amount of EUR 10.9 million in the buoyant first quarter of 2021, reflected above all the significant hike in the price of commodities, a trend that was exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

In combination with higher energy and transport costs, these factors will, from today's perspective, also have a bearing on the Group's earnings performance in the financial year as a whole, although the extent of their impact remains uncertain and will also depend on the further course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In addition, the recent coronavirus lockdowns in China may have an impact on revenue and earnings.

The Group will publish its full quarterly results on May 5, 2022.