Lonza Group Ltd. reported consolidated earnings results for the year 2016. For the year, the company reported sales of CHF 4,132 million, growth of 8.7% compared to CHF 3,803 million a year ago. Result from operating activities (EBIT) was CHF 486 million compared to CHF 428 million a year ago. Profit before income taxes was CHF 373 million compared to CHF 341 million a year ago. Profit for the period, attributable to the equity holders of the parent was CHF 301 million compared to CHF 277 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share CHF 5.69 compared to CHF 5.26 a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities CHF 752 million compared to CHF 741 million a year ago. Purchase of property, plant & equipment and intangible assets was CHF 366 million compared to CHF 264 a year ago. EBITDA was CHF 848 million compared to CHF 780 million a year ago. RONOA was 12.7% compared to 10.8% a year ago. Core EBITDA was CHF 918 million compared to CHF 793 million a year ago. Core EBIT was CHF 651 million compared to CHF 524 million a year ago. Operational free cash flow was CHF 408 million compared to CHF 667 million a year ago. Net debt was CHF 1,584 million compared to CHF 1,660 million a year ago. CORE profit for the period was CHF 443 million compared to CHF 356 million a year ago. CORE diluted EPS was CHF 8.38 compared to CHF 6.76 a year ago. CORE RONOA was 21.5% compared to 16.4% a year ago. Operational free cash flow (before acquisitions) was CHF 638 million compared to CHF 693 million a year ago.

For the year 2017, based on the sound foundation laid in 2016 for the future, the company expects sales growth to be in mid-single digits, core EBITDA to be CHF 1 billion, Double-digit core EBIT growth and core RONOA above the 21.5% achieved in 2016. This outlook is based on the present macro-economic environment, current visibility and constant exchange rates for the most important currencies in which the company is trading. The mid-term guidance will be reviewed in the course of 2017.