Sapa is a 50/50 joint venture between Norsk Hydro ASA's former Extruded products business area and Orkla ASA's Sapa (ex. Gränges) and is the global leader in extruded aluminum solutions.  The joint venture was established on 1 September 2013.

Underlying EBIT for Sapa increased significantly compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Performance improved across all business areas mainly due to the effects of the improvement programmes, increased share of higher margin business, and positive currency effects from the weakening Norwegian krone against the US dollar and Euro. In addition, a continued strong market supported the North American operations.

Key Figures - Sapa (100%)

NOK million	Q1 2016	Q1 2015
Sales volume (1,000 tonnes)	349	353
Revenues	13,905	14,134
Underlying EBITDA	901	705
Underlying EBIT	571	392
Reported EBIT	655	201

Orkla's share of Sapa's net income for the quarter was NOK 209 million compared to NOK 45 mill. for the same quarter of the previous year.

Market comments

Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, demand increased by 3 percent in North America as a result of increased building and construction activity and strong automotive demand.

Compared to the same quarter last year, demand grew marginally in Europe. A stabilising building and construction market contributed to this development.

Demand for extruded products is expected to seasonally improve going into the second quarter of 2016 and also compared to the second quarter of 2015. In both North America and Europe, aluminium substitution in the automotive industry is contributing positively.

Orkla ASA
Oslo, 27 April 2016

 

Ref.:

Senior Vice President Investor Relations
Mattias Orrenius
Tel.: +47 983 66 334
Email: mattias.orrenius@orkla.no

 

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)