Milestones in the transformation process

  • Alliance Lucky HuaGuang Graphics: expansion of common sales platform

  • Process to sell part of Agfa HealthCare to be launched in the course of autumn

Financial results

  • Top line growth of 3.0%, based on strong performances of growth engines, recovered hardcopy film sales and favorable exchange rates

  • Adjusted EBIT at 42 million Euro (including IFRS 16)

  • Net profit of 15 million Euro (including IFRS 16)

Mortsel (Belgium), August 28, 2019 – Agfa-Gevaert today commented on its achievements in the second quarter of 2019.  

MILESTONES IN THE AGFA-GEVAERT GROUP’S TRANSFORMATION PROCESS

“In the second quarter, we have made further progress with our efforts to transform our Group and to prepare our business for the future. The implementation of the offset alliance with Lucky HuaGuang Graphics is running smoothly. In the past months, we have started to expand the common sales platform into several regions within China. In the second quarter, we saw the first effects of the alliance on the top line of the Offset Solutions division. This top line impact should grow gradually in the quarters to come.

The preparation for the sale of part of the activities of Agfa HealthCare is also progressing according to plan. We expect the sale process to be launched in the course of autumn. As announced in May, the part that is to be sold mainly comprises the Hospital IT and Integrated Care businesses, as well as the Imaging IT business to the extent that this business is tightly integrated into our Hospital IT business. This is the case mainly in the DACH region, France and Brazil.

Furthermore, we have taken further steps in our strategy to terminate our reseller activities in the printing industry in the United States. After having discontinued certain offset-related reseller activities of the Offset Solutions division, we have taken similar steps for our reseller activities related to inkjet media. This decision will have an impact on the top line of the Digital Print & Chemicals division in the coming quarters. The termination of these low-margin activities allows us to fully focus on selling our own offset and inkjet solutions in the highly competitive US market.

Together with the execution of the pension derisking program, the investments in the future of the Group had a significant impact on our net financial debt, which stays nevertheless under control,” said Christian Reinaudo, President and CEO of the Agfa-Gevaert Group.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

“We are pleased with the results we published today. Based on our recent strategic steps and the success of all major growth engines, we were able to return to top line growth for the first time since 2015. Our hardcopy range clearly benefited from the reorganization of the Chinese distribution channels. The challenging conditions in the offset industry continued to weigh on the Offset Solutions division’s business, but we are confident that the smooth implementation of the offset alliance with Lucky HuaGuang Graphics will allow us to progressively improve our competitive position. Furthermore, our efforts to improve our profitability allowed us to report a positive net result of 15 million Euro,” said Christian Reinaudo, President and CEO of the Agfa-Gevaert Group.

Statement on IFRS 16 and 2018 restated profit and loss numbers

Several factors influence the way the Agfa-Gevaert Group reports its financial results as from the first quarter of 2019.

The activities of the Agfa-Gevaert Group have been regrouped into four divisions. To allow for a more accurate assessment of the business performances, some costs of corporate functions at Group level (e.g. Investor Relations, Corporate Finance, Internal Audit, the newly created Innovation Office,…) are no longer attributed to the business divisions. For Q2 2019, these costs amounted to 3.6 million Euro (Q2 2018: 3.6 million Euro). These costs are now grouped under Corporate Services. To allow comparison, the Q2 2018 profit and loss numbers have been restated.

As from 2019, the Agfa-Gevaert Group has adopted the IFRS 16 accounting rules. However, to allow correct comparison with Q2 2018, the tables below present the Q2 2019 profit and loss numbers excluding the impact of IFRS 16.

Agfa-Gevaert Group – Q2 2019

in million Euro Q2 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
Q2 2018

Restated
(excl.
IFRS 16)

% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 576 559 3.0% (1.6%)
Gross profit (*) 196 180 8.9%
% of revenue 34.0% 32.2%
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 56** 49 14.3%
% of revenue 9.6% 8.7%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 42** 35 17.1%
% of revenue 7.2% 6.3%
Result from operating activities 31 27 15.4%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   Q2 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 66 million Euro  – Q2 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 42 million Euro

Continuing the positive evolution of the first three months of the year, the Agfa-Gevaert Group’s top line grew by 3.0% (1.6% excluding exchange rate effects) in the second quarter of 2019. All major growth engines – including the inkjet product range, the direct radiography business and the activities of the HealthCare IT division – contributed to the strong top line performance. Furthermore, the Radiology Solutions division’s hardcopy range clearly benefited from the reorganization of the Chinese distribution channels.

In spite of the negative impact of high aluminum costs, the Group’s gross profit margin increased from 32.2% of revenue in the second quarter of 2018 to 34.0%.  

Selling and General Administration expenses remained almost stable at 119 million Euro (20.6% of revenue).

R&D expenses amounted to 35 million Euro (6.1% of revenue), which is in line with the second quarter of 2018.

Excluding the effects of IFRS 16, adjusted EBITDA improved from 8.7% of revenue in the second quarter of 2018 to 9.6%. Adjusted EBIT improved by almost one percentage point to 7.2% of revenue.

Influenced by the Group’s transformation efforts, restructuring and non-recurring items resulted in an expense of 11 million Euro, versus an expense of 9 million Euro in the second quarter of 2018.

The net finance costs (including IFRS 16) amounted to 9 million Euro.

Income tax expenses (including IFRS 16) amounted to 6 million Euro, versus 10 million Euro in 2018 and included some effects of the carve-out of HealthCare IT.

As a result of the elements mentioned above, the Agfa-Gevaert Group posted a net profit of 15 million Euro (including IFRS 16).

Financial position and cash flow (including IFRS 16)

  • At the end of June 2019, total assets were 2,426 million Euro (comprising right-of-use assets compliant with the new accounting standard on leases: 113 million Euro at the end of June 2019), compared to 2,367 million Euro at the end of 2018.
  • Trade working capital moved from 653 million Euro (29% of sales) at the end of 2018 to 656 million Euro (29% of sales) at the end of June 2019.
  • Net financial debt amounted to 311 million Euro, (or 194 million Euro excluding the impact of IFRS 16), versus 144 million Euro at the end of 2018. Net financial debt was impacted by seasonal effects, as well as by the execution of the pension derisking program and the investments in the transformation of the Group.
  • Net cash from operating activities amounted to 6 million Euro.

Offset Solutions – Q2 2019

in million Euro Q2 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
Q2 2018

Restated
(excl.
IFRS 16)

% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 207 212 -2.6% (-4.0%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 8.4** 13.1 -36.0%
% of revenue 4.0% 6.2%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 3.8** 7.7 -50.1%
% of revenue 1.8% 3.6%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   Q2 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 11.3 million Euro – Q2 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 3.8 million Euro

The Offset Solutions division was able to limit the decline of its top line to 2.6%, showing a clearly positive evolution compared to the first three months of the year.

The offset industry continues to be challenging. The strong market-driven decline for analog computer-to-film products, the pressure on volume for the digital computer-to-plate product offerings and regional mix effects continued to weigh on the Offset Solutions division’s top line. On the other hand, the division started to benefit from the alliance with Lucky HuaGuang Graphics and the acquisition of the prepress business of Ipagsa. It is expected that the alliance with Lucky HuaGuang Graphics will increasingly contribute to the top line in the coming quarters. In the longer term, improvements to the cost base that come with the alliance will also help to improve the division’s profitability.

Mainly due to adverse product and regional mix effects and high aluminum costs, the Offset Solutions division’s gross profit margin decreased from 26.9% of revenue in the second quarter of 2018 to 25.4%. Excluding the effects of IFRS 16, adjusted EBITDA amounted to 8.4 million Euro (4.0% of revenue), versus 13.1 million Euro (6.2% of revenue) in the second quarter of 2018 and adjusted EBIT reached 3.8 million Euro (1.8% of revenue), versus 7.7 million Euro (3.6% of revenue).

In June, Agfa launched SPIR@L. This innovative patented screening technology replaces traditional dots with alternative shapes to increase quality and reduce production costs. SPIR@L is the latest addition to Agfa’s ECO³ program, which focuses on economy, ecology and extra convenience.

Digital Print & Chemicals – Q2 2019

in million Euro Q2 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
Q2 2018
Restated(excl.
IFRS 16)
% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 108 99 9.2% (7.2%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 11.2** 8.7 28.5%
% of revenue 10.4% 8.8%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 9.5** 7.2 30.8%
% of revenue 8.8% 7.3%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   Q2 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 12.4 million Euro – Q2 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 9.5 million Euro

Based on the good performances of several growth engines, the Digital Print & Chemicals division’s top line grew strongly.

The division’s inkjet business posted solid double-digit revenue growth, driven by the good performance of the high-end Jeti wide format printer range and continuous strong volume growth for the ink range.

In the Industrial Films and Foils segment, the Synaps Synthetic Paper range and the Security range performed well. The Electronic Print segment’s Orgacon Electronic Materials range also reported good sales figures.

Excluding the effects of IFRS 16, the division’s adjusted EBITDA reached 11.2 million Euro (10.4% of revenue). Adjusted EBIT improved to 9.5 million Euro (8.8% of revenue).

At the FESPA trade event, the European Digital Press Association (EDP) awarded Agfa for setting new standards with its Jeti Tauro H3300 LED inkjet printer. Agfa received the EDP Award in the ‘Large & Wide Format Printing Systems’ category for ‘Best Flatbed/Hybrid Printer >250m²/h’. The EDP reviews products introduced to the European market, evaluating quality as well as value to the user, support and service.

Radiology Solutions – Q2 2019

in million Euro Q2 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
Q2 2018
Restated(excl.
IFRS 16)
% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 135 130 3.8% (2.9%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 22.2** 20.1 10.1%
% of revenue 16.5% 15.5%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 17.7** 17.0 3.7%
% of revenue 13.1% 13.1%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   Q2 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 24.2 million Euro – Q2 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 17.7 million Euro

The Radiology Solutions division’s revenue increased by 3.8% compared to the second quarter of 2018. Firstly, the hardcopy business reported substantial revenue growth based on the positive effects of the reorganization of the distribution channels in China. Secondly, the top line of the innovative Direct Radiography solutions range grew strongly, partly due to increased service revenues.

Thanks to positive product/mix effects and improved manufacturing efficiency in particular, the division’s gross profit margin grew from 34.8% of revenue in the second quarter of 2018 to 38.2%. Excluding the effects of IFRS 16, adjusted EBITDA increased from 20.1 million Euro (15.5% of revenue) in the second quarter of 2018 to 22.2 million Euro (16.5% of revenue). Adjusted EBIT reached 17.7 million Euro (13.1% of revenue), versus 17.0 million Euro (13.1% of revenue) in the previous year.

HealthCare IT – Q2 2019

in million Euro Q2 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
Q2 2018
Restated (excl.
IFRS 16)
% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 127 119 7.2% (5.6%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 17.5** 10.3 69.7%
% of revenue 13.8% 8.7%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 14.2** 7.1 99.7%
% of revenue 11.2% 6.0%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   Q2 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 21.6 million Euro – Q2 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 14.6 million Euro

Both the Imaging IT Solutions business and the HealthCare Information Solutions business contributed to the HealthCare IT division’s substantial top line growth.

The HealthCare Information Solutions business almost recorded a double-digit revenue growth, confirming its leading position in the German speaking countries of Europe and in France.

The Imaging IT Solutions business performed strongly based on the adoption of the new Enterprise Imaging platform, the equivalent of the Electronic Medical Record for image information. In addition, the division continued to adapt its operations to an increasing degree of infrastructure managed and purchased by the customer.

The gross profit margin improved from 43.3% of revenue in the second quarter of 2018 to 46.5%. Significant service efficiency improvements, strong software sales and the decision to withdraw the Imaging IT Solutions from certain less sustainable markets had a positive effect on profitability. Excluding the effects of IFRS 16, adjusted EBITDA increased strongly from 10.3 million Euro (8.7% of revenue) in the second quarter of 2018 to 17.5 million Euro (13.8% of revenue). Adjusted EBIT reached 14.2 million Euro (11.2% of revenue), versus 7.1 million Euro (6.0% of revenue) in the previous year.

Corporate Services – Q2 2019

in million Euro Q2 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
Q2 2018

Restated
(excl.
IFRS 16)

Adjusted EBITDA (*) (3.6)** (3.6)
Adjusted EBIT (*) (3.6)** (3.6)

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   Q2 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: minus 3.6 million Euro – Q2 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: minus 3.6 million Euro

To allow for a more accurate assessment of the business performances, costs of corporate functions at Group level (e.g. Investor Relations, Corporate Finance, Internal Audit, the newly created Innovation Office,…) are grouped under Corporate Services.

Results after six months

Agfa-Gevaert Group – year to date

in million Euro H1 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
H1 2018

Restated
(excl.
IFRS 16)

% change

(excl.
FX effects

Revenue 1,115 1,108 0.6%(-0.8%)
Gross profit (*) 370 358 3.5%
% of revenue 33.2% 32.3%
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 89** 86 3.1%
% of revenue 7.9% 7.8%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 61** 60 2.2%
% of revenue 5.5% 5.4%
Result from operating activities 46 46

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   H1 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 109 million Euro – H1 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 62 million Euro

Offset Solutions – year to date

in million Euro H1 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
H1 2018

Restated
(excl.
IFRS 16)

% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 406 427 -5.0%(-6.8%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 9.6** 24.9 -61.6%
% of revenue 2.4% 5.8%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 0.0** 14.1 -99.4%
% of revenue 0.0% 3.3%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   H1 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 15.2 million Euro – H1 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 0.2 million Euro

Digital Print & Chemicals – year to date

in million Euro H1 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
H1 2018
Restated(excl.
IFRS 16)
% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 208 194 7.6%(5.3%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 20.9** 13.9 51.0%
% of revenue 10.0% 7.2%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 17.4** 11.0 58.8%
% of revenue 8.4% 5.7%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   H1 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 23.2 million Euro – H1 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 17.5 million Euro

Radiology Solutions – year to date

in million Euro H1 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
H1 2018
Restated(excl.
IFRS 16)
% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 251 246 2.1%(2.3%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 37.2** 32.8 13.5%
% of revenue 14.8% 13.3%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 29.1** 26.8 8.6%
% of revenue 11.6% 10.9%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   H1 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 41.4 million Euro – H1 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 29.2 million Euro

HealthCare IT – H1 2019

in million Euro H1 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
H1 2018
Restated(excl.
IFRS 16)
% change

(excl.
FX effects)

Revenue 249 241 3.3%(1.6%)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) 29.3** 21.7 35.1%
% of revenue 11.8% 9.0%
Adjusted EBIT (*) 22.8** 15.0 51.9%
% of revenue 9.2% 6.2%

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   H1 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: 37.2 million Euro – H1 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: 23.4 million Euro

Corporate Services – H1 2019

in million Euro H1 2019
(excl.
IFRS 16)
H1 2018
Restated(excl.
IFRS 16)
Adjusted EBITDA (*) (8.4)** (7.2)
Adjusted EBIT (*) (8.5)** (7.2)

(*)     before restructuring and non-recurring items
(**)   H1 2019 Adjusted EBITDA including IFRS 16: minus 8.4 million Euro – H1 2019 Adjusted EBIT including IFRS 16: minus 8.5 million Euro

End of message

Management Certification of Financial Statements and Quarterly Report

This statement is made in order to comply with new European transparency regulation enforced by the Belgian Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 and in effect as of 2008.

“The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Agfa-Gevaert NV, represented by Mr. Klaus Röhrig, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Christian Reinaudo, President and CEO, and Mr. Dirk De Man, CFO, jointly certify that, to the best of their knowledge, the consolidated financial statements included in the report and based on the relevant accounting standards, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and results of Agfa-Gevaert NV, including its consolidated subsidiaries. Based on our knowledge, the report includes all information that is required to be included in such document and does not omit to state all necessary material facts.”

Statement of risk

This statement is made in order to comply with new European transparency regulation enforced by the Belgian Royal Decree of 14 November 2007 and in effect as of 2008.

“As with any company, Agfa is continually confronted with – but not exclusively – a number of market and competition risks or more specific risks related to the cost of raw materials, product liability, environmental matters, proprietary technology or litigation.”

Key risk management data is provided in the annual report available on www.agfa.com.

Contact:

Viviane Dictus
Director Corporate Communication
Septestraat 27
2640 Mortsel – Belgium
T +32 (0) 3 444 71 24
E viviane.dictus@agfa.com

Johan Jacobs

Corporate Press Relations Manager
T +32 (0)3/444 80 15
E johan.jacobs@agfa.com

Click here for Agfa’s consolidated statements.

Click here for the Condensed Interim Financial Statements as of June 30, 2019.