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D'Ieteren Group

Earnings Release Feb 28, 2019

3937_rns_2019-02-28_bcf10fc4-20bd-40fb-a26d-5c65a18a70e7.pdf

Earnings Release

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2018 was a positive year for D'Ieteren's activities

  • Each activity realised robust sales growth. Combined group sales: EUR 7.4 billion, +6.9%
  • Our KPI adjusted PBT g.s. rose by 15.8% (against a 10-15% growth guidance) to EUR 226.1 million at comparable perimeter
  • Belron: strong growth in organic sales, adjusted operating result and free cash flow. The US was the main contributor to the increase in profits, followed by France, the UK, Spain and Germany
  • D'Ieteren Auto: strong adjusted operating profit growth reflects positive price and model mix effect (more SUV's) and cost control
  • Moleskine: double digit growth in sales and adjusted operating profit as prior year investments and strategic initiatives start to bear fruit
  • FY 2019 guidance: double-digit improvement of the adjusted PBT g.s. on a comparable basis (54.10% stake in Belron in 2018 and 2019). This guidance assumes average exchange rates that are in line with the rates that prevailed at the end of 2018
  • Gross ordinary DPS of EUR 1.00 (versus EUR 0.95 ordinary + EUR 2.85 extraordinary last year)

Combined1 group sales: +6.9%

Combined1 adjusted operating result: +18.9%

Adjusted PBT g.s.: +15.8% at comparable perimeter1

D'IETEREN AUTO

« Improving the lives of citizens with fluid, accessible and comfortable mobility »

  • D'Ieteren Auto reinforced its leadership position (share +14bps) on the Belgian new car market
  • WLTP impact on deliveries during last 4 months of 2018
  • Sales growth (+3.2%) driven by a positive price/model mix effect (more SUV's) and acquisitions
  • Adjusted operating profit improvement (+18.7%) underpinned by a positive price/model mix effect, cost control, lower inventory write-downs and a reversal of a provision
  • FY 2019 guidance: the adjusted PBT g.s. is expected to increase slightly due essentially to an improved sales mix

New car registrations impacted by WLTP (1 Sept 2018)

  • The Belgian new car market was up 0.6% (-0.9% net)
  • Strong rise in H1 followed by decline in H2 due to WLTP

New car registrations1

D'Ieteren Auto's market share (%)

Gross Net

1 The historical graph above contains gross figures only. In order to provide an accurate picture of the car market, Febiac publishes since mid-2013 market figures excluding registrations that have been cancelled within 30 days.

Volkswagen reinforces leadership position

D'Ieteren Auto's net market share per brand (%)

  • Volkswagen reinforced its leadership position (9.91% or +48bps) thanks to higher demand for the T-Roc, the Tiguan (6 th most popular car in Belgium) and the Arteon
  • The evolution of Audi's market share (5.38% or -85bps) reflects the calendar of new model launches and delivery delays due to the introduction of WLTP
  • Škoda's share reached 3.74% (+14bps) with good volumes in its popular SUV models (Karoq and Kodiaq)
  • Seat's share improved by 39bps to 1.79% thanks to the success of the Arona
  • Porsche's market share (0.60%) was roughly stable with higher registrations of the Cayenne and 911

Success of SUV's continues: growing share in product mix

• SUV's made up 28% of D'Ieteren new car mix in 2018 compared to 38% in the Belgian market

Registrations (gross) of SUV's

Registrations (gross): D'Ieteren Auto's car mix

Rising share of new energy engines

  • D'Ieteren's sale of new energy engines (hybrid, electric and CNG) rose by 70% y/y to 7,735 units in 2018
  • The share of new energy engines increased from 4% of D'Ieteren's new car mix in 2017 to 7% (Belgian market: 6%) in 2018

• Examples:

  • ✓ CNG: VW Golf, Škoda Octavia, Audi A3 and A5 and Seat Leon
  • ✓ Hybrid: Porsche Panamera and Cayenne, Audi A5 and Q7 and Volkswagen Passat
  • ✓ Electric: Volkswagen Golf and Audi e-tron
  • Volkswagen Group aims at over 80 new electric models by 2025, including 50 purely electric-powered vehicles

Strong adjusted operating profit growth

  • D'Ieteren Auto's results exclude Corporate and D'Ieteren Immo
  • Net sales growth (+3.2%) reflects:
  • ✓ Positive price/model mix effect (more SUV's) in import despite lower volumes of cars delivered
  • ✓ Higher contribution from retail activities due to increased perimeter from acquired dealerships1 (EUR 84.2 million)
  • ✓ Higher contribution from spare parts
  • ✓ Impact from WLTP
  • The number of new vehicle deliveries: 121,855 (-2.7%)
  • The strong rise in adjusted operating profit (+18.7%) reflects various evolutions:
  • ✓ A positive price/model mix
  • ✓ Cost control including lower marketing costs
  • ✓ Lower inventory write-downs due to the transfer of 70% of the buy-back agreements with rental car companies to VDFin Positives
  • ✓ Reversal of a provision (EUR 4.5 million)
  • ✓ Lower contribution from corporately owned retail activities (decrease in return on sales), as also seen in the network of independent dealers
  • ✓ Higher losses related to innovative mobility projects at Lab Box

Negatives

Strong rise in adjusted PBT, partly offset by higher tax charges (higher profits and lower level of tax credits)

€m 2017 2018 % change
New vehicles
delivered
(in
units)
125,229 121,855 -2.7
Net sales 3,299.7 3,404.0 +3.2
Adjusted
operating result
95.2 113.0 +18.7
Adjusted
operating margin
2.9% 3.3%
Adjusted
net finance costs
-2.0 -1.9 -5.0
Share in adjusted
net profits of JV and associates
6.1 6.9 +13.1
Adjusted
PBT
99.3 118.0 +18.8
Share in tax
on adjusted
results
of JV and associates
3.2 3.7 +15.6
Adjusted
PBT g.s.
102.5 121.7 +18.7
Adjusted
income
taxes
-30.5 -40.7 +33.4
Adjusted
net profits
68.8 77.3 +12.4
Adjusting
items in net profits
-6.1 -0.5
Reported
net profits
62.7 76.8 +22.5
€m 2018
Charge related
to Market
Area strategy
-6.2
Consolidated
gain on disposal
of a dealership
0.6
Included
in equity
accounted
result
3.0
Adjusting
items at PBT level
Total adjusting
items in PBT
-2.6

At the level of:

  • Operating result: EUR 6.2 million charge in the framework of the Market Area project
  • Financial result: EUR 0.6 million disposal gain
  • Equity accounted result: EUR 3.0 million related to additional revenue recognised following a change in accounting estimates

  • The negative free cash flow reflects:

  • ✓ Higher adjusted EBITDA underpinned by a positive price/model mix effect
  • ✓ Higher taxes paid due to higher profits and a lower level of tax credits
  • ✓ Higher inventories due to temporary impact of WLTP and higher trade receivables
  • ✓ Higher capex, particularly in IT and software
  • Net debt of EUR 60.8 million at the end of 2018. Note: the disposal proceeds (40% stake in Belron) and the dividends from Belron are reflected in the net cash position of the reporting segment "Other"
€m 2017 2018
Adjusted
EBITDA
95 115
Interest
paid
-1 -2
Taxes paid -11 -25
Change in WCR -5 -114
Net capex -10 -18
Free cash flow 68 -44
Net debt
at period-end
1 61
  • New import contracts with Volkswagen Group
  • New contracts with dealers who lead the Market Areas
  • Project Magellan was launched in 09/2018 to prepare D'Ieteren Auto for changes in the mobility sector
  • Announcement of next phase ("Leading the Race") of Pole Position (Retail):
  • ✓ Reinforce D'Ieteren Auto's presence in the southwest of Brussels
  • Latest developments ✓ SEAT dealership in Anderlecht to be transformed into a state-of-the-art multi-brand site
  • ✓ 2022: sales and after-sales services of Mail and Centre will be moved to Anderlecht site for Volkswagen (including commercial vehicles), Seat and Škoda. Drogenbos and Zaventem sites will welcome Audi
  • Acquisition of dealerships (Clissen North of Antwerp, Bruynseels West of Brussels and Dielis Mechelen region)
  • Launch of Electric D'Ieteren Solutions (EDI) in 01/2019: complete solution for drivers of electric cars and fleet managers including charging stations and charging card
  • Lizy (digital leasing platform for stock- and second hand cars) launched with the support of Lab Box and D'Ieteren Auto in 02/2019
  • Poppy is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Zipcar in Brussels from Avis Budget Group

Outlook 2019

  • Higher market share in a Belgian new car market that is expected to be slightly down
  • Sales to be underpinned by new model introductions and replacements, especially at Audi:
  • Outlook for 2018 ✓ New models: Audi A1 City Carver, Q3 Sportback and e-tron Sportback, Volkswagen T-Cross, Škoda Scala and Kamiq, Seat Tarraco, Porsche Cayenne Coupé and Taycan
  • Model replacements: Volkswagen Golf, Škoda Octavia Combi, Audi Q3, A1 Sportback
  • Facelifts: Volkswagen Passat, Audi Q7 and A4
  • The adjusted PBT g.s. is expected to increase slightly due essentially to improved sales mix

Škoda Scala

SEAT Tarraco

• The table below shows the 2018 achievements and medium term targets. The targets which were communicated at the Investor Day of 13 Dec 2017 related to D'Ieteren Auto including Other (Corporate and D'Ieteren Immo). D'Ieteren Auto's figures are reported separately since H1 2018. The targets have been adjusted to reflect this.

Targets
2017-
2022 excl
Other
2018
excl
Other
Sales growth 2-3% 3.2%
Adjusted
operating margin
3.5% 3.3%
ROCE (pretax)(1) >20% 27.3%
Free cash flow (EUR million)(2) 80 -44

(1) ROCE = adjusted operating result/(non-impaired capital employed)

(2) Free cash flow = adjusted EBITDA +/- changes in working capital – capex - net interest paid – taxes paid

  • 17.8 million consumers (+8%) of which 17.3 million (+6%) in VGRR + Claims Management
  • Organic sales growth (+10.3%) was solid across North America, Europe and ROW
  • Adjusted operating result: +18.9% or +20.1% on a comparable basis 1
  • Adjusted PBT, group's share: +10.3% on a comparable basis1,2. Strong rise in operating result partly offset by higher financial charges due to cash distribution financing in Q4 2017 and Q4 2018
  • FY 2019 guidance: double digit improvement of the adjusted PBT g.s assuming 54.10% stake in 2018 (rebased) and 2019

1 After deduction of a EUR 10.3 million depreciation charge during 1 Jan -7 Feb 2018 and EUR 10.5 million during 28 Nov -31 Dec 2017 2 Assuming 57.78% stake in Belron in 2017 and 2018

  • Sales rose by 10.1% to EUR 3,839.7 million
  • New geographic split:
  • North America: USA and Canada
  • Europe: France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Austria and Hungary
  • ROW: UK, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland and Finland
Sales growth Organic Acquisitions Forex Total
North America 13.4% 0.3% -3.1% 10.7%
Europe 5.8% 4.3% -0.4% 9.7%
ROW 10.7% 1.9% -3.2% 9.4%
TOTAL 10.3% 2.0% -2.1% 10.1%
  • Higher volumes driven by market share gains in markets that grew in volume by circa 2% on average
  • Higher prices due in part to increased windscreen complexity
  • ADAS calibrations: 404k in 2018 vs 176k in 2017
  • Higher sales of value added products and services
  • Weaker USD, AUD and Turkish Lira
€m 2017 2018 % chg
Net sales 3,486.2 3,839.7 +10.1
Adjusted
operating result
189.8 225.7 +18.9
Adjusted
operating margin
5.4% 5.9%
Adjusted
net finance costs
-37.5 -59.1 +57.6
Adjusted
PBT (100%)
152.3 166.6 +9.4
Adjusted
income
taxes
-30.0 -39.1 +30.3
Adjusted
net profits (100%)
122.3 127.5 +4.3%
Reported
net profits (100%)
43.6 984.1
share1
Adjusted
PBT, group's
81.9 90.3 +10.3
  • The adjusted operating result rose by 18.9% to EUR 225.7 million. On a comparable basis: EUR 215.4 million or +20.1%1
  • The US was the main contributor to this improvement, followed by France, the UK, Spain and Germany
  • EUR 34.1 million ELTIP charge versus EUR 20.2 million in 2017. It relates to the 3-year rolling plans that were launched in 2016 and 2017. The increase reflects solid results in 2018 and a stronger outlook for 2019
  • Rise in net finance costs reflects cash distribution financing in Q4 2017 and Q4 2018
  • 10.3% rise in adjusted PBT, group's share, assumes 57.78% stake in 2017 (restated) and 2018

1 Note that according to IFRS 5, Belron's assets and liabilities were classified under 'Non-current assets/liabilities classified as held for sale' between 28 November 2017 when D'Ieteren and CD&R signed a definitive agreement regarding CD&R's acquisition of a 40% stake in Belron and 7 February 2018 when the closing took place. Under IFRS 5, these tangible and intangible fixed assets were not depreciated during that period, which had a positive impact of EUR 10.3 million (at 100%) on Belron's (adjusted) operating result in 2018 (EUR 10.5 million in 2017). If one takes into account the depreciation charge between 28 November 2017 and 7 February 2018, the adjusted operating result1increased by EUR 36.1 million to EUR 215.4 million.

€m 2018
Movement
on fuel
hedges
-6.9
Amortisation
of brands
and customer
contracts
-6.0
Impairment
of intangibles
-50.3
Transaction bonus (disposal
40% stake)
-33.1
Professional fees
(MRP and disposal
40% stake)
-2.8
Consolidation gain on disposal
40% stake
987.7
Disposal
loss
(Russia, Turkey, business in UK)
-20.1
Provisions and other
adjusting
items
-24.2
Total 844.3
  • The impairment of intangibles relates to the Netherlands (EUR 40.0 million), New Zealand (EUR 6.0 million), Hungary (EUR 0.9 million) and Greece (EUR 3.4 million)
  • Provisions and other adjusting items include:
  • ✓ Provisions for the closure of Canada's claims management business
  • ✓ Restructuring costs regarding the US field sales teams (EUR -4.5 million)
  • ✓ Provision costs for on-going (US) legal disputes (EUR -4.1 million)
  • ✓ Costs related to an ongoing business transformation programme (EUR -2.7 million)
  • ✓ Provisions and costs relating to the planned disposal and franchising of Greece (EUR -4.2 million) and Hungary (EUR -1.6 million)
  • ✓ Costs related to the Term Loan B issue in November 2018

  • The free cash flow improved from EUR 70 million in 2017 to EUR 164 million in 2018 thanks to:

  • ✓ Higher adjusted EBITDA
  • ✓ A EUR 62 million reduction in capex
  • ✓ The above was partly offset by higher taxes and interest paid. The latter is due to cash distribution financing in Q4 2017 and Q4 2018
  • The rise in net debt reflects the issue of a new 7-year Term Loan B facility of USD 455 million. Cross currency interest rate swaps to swap USD 390 million into EUR 346 million of Euro denominated borrowings. Proceeds were used to distribute cash to shareholders (EUR 400 million).
  • Senior Secured Net Leverage ratio1 reached 4.23x
€m 2017 2018
Adjusted
EBITDA
322 377
Net interest
paid
-38 -57
Taxes paid -29 -35
Change in WCR -10 -9
Net capex
(incl. finance leases)
-174 -112
Free cash flow 70 1642
Net debt
at period-end (100%)
1,271.9 1,638.6
  • Implemented on 15 June 2018 involving about 250 key employees
  • The participants acquired equity instruments in Belron Group SA for a total amount of EUR 21.8 million
  • Part of the issued equity under the MRP consists of "ratchet shares" which will allow management to enjoy additional returns if certain performance hurdles (IRR and Cash on Cash) are satisfied at exit, which will result in additional dilution for existing shareholders
  • The following table shows the ownership of share capital and voting rights of Belron's shareholders on 31 December 2018:
% of voting
rights
% of share
capital
D'Ieteren 54.85% 54.10%
CD&R 40.00% 39.45%
Family holding company
of CEO
5.15% 5.08%
MRP participants - 1.37%
  • Fit for Growth programme was initiated in Q4 2018 aimed at improving Belron's financial performance
  • Operations in Russia and Turkey were sold to the local management teams. Belron entered into franchise agreements with the new owners
  • At the end of December, Belron entered into negotiations with third parties for the sale and franchising of its operations in Greece and Hungary

  • Moderate single digit organic sales growth

  • Double-digit improvement of the adjusted result before tax, D'Ieteren's share. This guidance assumes average exchange rates that are in line with the rates that prevailed at the end of 2018 and a 54.10% stake in Belron in 2018 (rebased) and 2019
  • The improvement will reflect sales growth and efficiency initiatives in all countries, together with lower charges related to the long-term management incentive programme. In 2019, the charges will be limited to the programme that started in 2017

The table below shows the 2018 achievements and medium term targets (see Investor Day of 13 December 2017)

Targets
(2017-2022)
2018
Sales growth Mid
single digit
10.1%
of which
organic
Mid
single digit
10.3%
Adjusted
operating result
growth
Low double digit 18.9%
ROE (1) 15% 7.6%(3)
Free cash flow (2) > EUR 200 million EUR 164 million

(1) Net income/EUR 1,550 million (Note: equity value of transaction with CD&R)

(2) Free cash flow = adjusted EBITDA +/- changes in working capital – capex - net interest paid – taxes paid

(3) After EUR 10.3 million depreciation (1 Jan – 7 February 2018)

  • 12.0% sales growth or 14.8% at constant exchange rates
  • Operating result rose by 13.5% to EUR 28.6 million
  • Adjusted result before tax reached EUR 18.9 million (+24.3%)
  • Free cash flow improved from EUR 0 million to EUR 13 million
  • 2019 outlook: double-digit growth of sales and adjusted profit before tax, at constant exchange rates, underpinned by continued sales growth across the regions, channels and product categories

  • 14.8% sales growth at constant exchange rates with a particularly strong performance in December (+28.8%)

  • Double digit growth in each region
  • B2B was the fastest growing channel reflecting major projects with global corporations and promotional product suppliers
  • Wholesale revenues increased in EMEA and the Americas and were stable in APAC. Change in distribution model in Japan
  • Focus on network optimization in Retail with 16 store closures and 9 openings. Year-end store count 80 (-7). Store openings in high traffic travel locations. Initiatives to boost sales: training of in-store personnel and improved merchandising
  • E-Commerce: strong performance in Q4 (+19% y/y). Marketplace launches in China contributed to strong performance
  • Non-paper product category (including bags and small leather goods) contributed 40% of Moleskine's sales growth
€m 2017 2018 % change
Net sales 155.4 174.1 +12.0
Adjusted
operating result
25.2 28.6 +13.5
Adjusted
operating margin
16.2% 16.4%
Adjusted
net financial
result
-10.0 -9.7 -3.0
Adjusted
PBT
15.2 18.9 +24.3
Adjusted
taxes
: KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
-5.1
3.9
Adjusted
net profits
10.1 22.8 +125.7
  • The adjusted operating result reached EUR 28.6 million (+13.5%) as previous years' investments and strategic initiatives start to bear fruit
  • The non-cash charge related to the long-term incentive program of 2016-2021 amounted to EUR 1.7 million (EUR 2.5 million in 2017)
  • Tax revenues of EUR 3.9 million include the Patent Box Benefit
€m 2017 2018
EBITDA 38 40
Net interest
paid
-8 -4
Taxes paid -12 -1
Change in WCR -8 -14
Capex -10 -8
: KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Free cash flow
0 13
Net debt 289 282
  • Inventories rose by EUR 9.5 million to EUR 41.7 million due to US duties, purchases ahead of 2019 product innovation and a stock buy back in Japan
  • Lower taxes paid due to Patent Box benefit

  • Moleskine continued to strengthen its regional organizations as knowledge of local customer preferences is deemed crucial to develop the brand's competitive edge in each market

  • Moleskine Open Innovation Program, a call for innovative ideas to add to the growing Moleskine+ platform. The project invited talented start-ups to submit concepts, projects and proposals in return for the chance to work closely with Moleskine. Moleskine is currently exploring routes for collaboration with one of the three start-ups that has launched an innovative application in the area of personal productivity
  • Actions, a successful app aimed at increasing personal productivity, registered approximately 600,000 downloads since its launch in April 2018. It complements the existing Timepage app

  • Sales and adjusted profit before tax: double -digit growth at constant exchange rates

  • Continued sales growth across the regions, channels and product categories
  • Wholesale revenues growth will leverage its proven distribution capabilities through space management, network expansion, growth of key accounts and further development of key markets such as Japan
  • B2B is expected to consolidate 2018's outstanding performance while unlocking further potential through a multi -category product strategy
  • Retail growth will be driven by strong focus on KPI improvement and limited new store openings.
  • E -Commerce will benefit from improved business governance and user experience and the activation of new countries

The table below shows the 2018 achievements and medium term targets (see Investor Day of 13 December 2017)

Targets
(2017-2022)
2018
Sales growth >10% 12.0%
Operating profit growth
: KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
>10% 13.5%
EBITDA margin >25% 23.0%
ROCE (pre-tax) (1) 14% 5.6%
Free cash flow (EUR million)(2) >40 13

(1) ROCE = (adjusted operating result)/(EV at the time of the acquisition)

(2) Free cash flow = adjusted EBITDA +/- changes in working capital – capex - net interest paid – taxes paid

  • Reporting segment "Other" mainly includes the Corporate and D'Ieteren Immo
  • Broadly flat adjusted operating result
  • The adjusted tax revenue of EUR 12.0 million reflects the recognition of deferred tax assets on previously unrecognized tax losses
  • Adjusting items (EUR -52.2 million) include the remaining professional fees, other (financial) expenses and a loss on the fair value of a contingent liability relating to the disposal of a 40% stake in Belron
€m 2017 2018 % change
Adjusted
operating result
-9.3 -9.4 1.1
Adjusted
net financial
result
5.5 4.6 -16.4
Adjusted
PBT, g.s.
-4.3 -4.8 11.6
Adjusted
net result
-0.1 7.2
Adjusting
items (in PBT)
-3.1 -52.2

Other: D'Ieteren Immo

  • Regroups all of D'Ieteren's property interests in Belgium
  • Capex was stable at EUR 13 million
  • Net rental income reached EUR 18.7 million (+3.4%) of which 92% from D'Ieteren Auto
  • The Zen Park project in Drogenbos was completed in June 2018. The site welcomes a state-of-the-art multi-brand bodywork centre and a My Way (second hand cars) centre
  • Ongoing construction projects include a new Porsche Centre in Wallonia, a Seat dealership in Mechelen and an apartment building (Ten Bosch Housing) in Brussels.
  • Preparing plans for the development of the distribution centre site (Kortenberg) and the Anderlecht site and the renovation of D'Ieteren's headquarters (Rue du Mail in Ixelles)
€m 31 December 2018
Auto 100% Belron Moleskine Other Group
Loans & borrowings 2.9 1,763.6 151.9 0.9 1,919.3
Inter-group 155.9 -155.9 -
Gross debt 2.9 1,763.6 307.8 -155.0 1,919.3
Cash & cash equiv. 57.9 -124.2 -23.8 -967.1 -1,057.2
Other - -0.8 -1.8 -20.1 -22.7
Total net debt 60.8 1,638.6 282.2 -1,142.2 839.4
  • Non-recourse intra-group loan (EUR 155.9 million) at arm's length conditions in the framework of the acquisition of Moleskine
  • Belron's net financial debt rose (y/y) by EUR 366.7 million to EUR 1,638.6 million at the end of 2018. A new 7-year Term Loan B facility of USD 455 million (cross currency interest rate swaps were used to swap USD 390 million into EUR 346 million of Euro denominated borrowings) was issued in 4Q 2018
  • Significant increase in the net cash position of Other (from EUR 550.6 million at end of 2017 to EUR 1,142.2 million at the end of 2018) following the disposal of a 40% stake in Belron (EUR 628.7 million proceeds), the dividend (EUR 208.4 million) received from Belron in 4Q 2018, partially offset by the payment in June 2018 of D'Ieteren's dividend (EUR 208.4 million)

"To the extent that any statements made in this presentation contain information that is not historical, these statements are essentially forward-looking. The achievement of forward-looking statements contained in this presentation is subject to risks and uncertainties because of a number of factors, including general economic factors, interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; changing market conditions, product competition, the nature of product development, impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, products withdrawals; regulatory approval processes and other unusual items. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "plans", "will", "believes", "may", "could", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "objectives", "potential", and other words of similar meaning. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should our assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements."

Investor Relations – D'Ieteren Group

Pascale Weber [email protected]

+32 2 536 54 39

Press Relations – D'Ieteren Group

Anne-Catherine Zoller [email protected]

+32 2 536 55 65

or

[email protected] www.dieteren.com

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