Half-year results 2016 (January - June 2016) of the EMS Group

- Strong growth with profitable specialty products

- Net sales and result at new record levels

- Increase in result forecast for 2016

- Dividend increased to CHF 15.00 per share

The EMS Group, with its companies combined in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, is globally active in the business areas High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals. In the first half of 2016, net sales increased by 3.7% and net operating income (EBIT) by 16.6% compared to the previous year.

Consolidated net sales in Swiss Francs reached CHF 1,002 million (966) which represents a growth of 3.7% compared to previous year. In a moderately positive global economy, EMS was able to continually expand business with innovative specialty products. Pleasing growth was achieved in all customer markets.

Net operating income (EBIT) closed at CHF 264 million (226) which is 16.6% above previous year. The operational cash flow (EBITDA) rose to CHF 290 million (251) which is 15.2% above previous year. The EBIT margin reached 26.3% (23.4%) and the EBITDA margin 28.9% (26.0%). Strong growth with high-margin specialty products and simultaneous efficiency improvements had a positive effect on both result and result margin.

At the ordinary Annual General Meeting of the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG on August 13, 2016, the current members of the Board of Directors, Dr. Ulf Berg, Magdalena Martullo, Dr. Joachim Streu and Bernhard Merki will be proposed for re-election in unchanged functions. KPMG AG will be proposed for re-election as Statutory Auditor.

Due to the pleasing development of result and liquidity, the Board of Directors intends to further increase the dividend by CHF 1.50 per share. This means that at the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors will propose a dividend payment of total CHF 15.00 per share (initial announcement: CHF 13.50; previous year CHF 12.00).

For 2016, EMS continues to expect slightly higher net sales and now, a net operating income (EBIT) above previous year.