AkzoNobel successfully delivers on 2015 targets

February 10, 2016

Akzo Nobel N.V. (AKZA.AS; AKZOY)

Full-year results 2015

• Successfully delivered 2015 financial targets:

      A record year, with return on sales at 10.6 percent and return on investment at 15.0 percent. Net debt/EBITDA at 0.6

• Total dividend proposed for 2015 up 7 percent at €1.55 (2014: €1.45)
• Operating income up 59 percent at €1,573 million, as a result of process optimization, lower costs, reduced restructuring expenses, favorable currency development and incidental items
• Revenue up 4 percent to €14,859 million (2014: €14,296 million), due to 6 percent favorable currency effects, partly offset by divestments and lower volumes
• Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) up 43 percent at €4.02 (2014: €2.81)
• Net income attributable to shareholders up 79 percent at €979 million (2014: €546 million)
• Net cash inflow from operating activities up 40 percent at €1,136 million (2014: €811 million)
• Ranked number one on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in the Materials industry group
• 2016 expected to be a challenging year

AkzoNobel today reported fourth quarter and full-year results including the successful delivery on 2015 financial targets. Full-year operating income increased 59 percent to €1,573 million (excluding incidentals up 36 percent at €1,462 million), as a result of process optimization, lower costs, reduced restructuring expenses, favorable currency developments and incidental items. The company was recognized as a leader in the field of sustainability by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (the Materials industry group) for the fourth year in a row.

CEO Ton Büchner:

"We successfully achieved our 2015 financial targets in what was a record year for AkzoNobel in a number of areas including return on sales, return on investment and sustainability. The proposed increase of the total dividend is also a clear sign that we are more confident about our cashflow generation.

Looking ahead, we expect 2016 to be a challenging year and anticipate limited support from the markets in which we operate. We will continue to build on our foundation of operational excellence, adding organic growth and innovation to the next phase of our strategy, creating everyday essentials to make lives more liveable and inspiring."

Performance on our 2015 targets

Full-year 2015 in € million

Q4 2015 in € million

Decorative Paints: Full-year operating income increased by 39 percent as a result of the new operating model, lower costs, reduced restructuring expenses and currency developments. Revenue was up 3 percent due to favorable currencies offsetting adverse price/mix and volumes. Volumes were down 1 percent overall for the full-year, with positive developments in Asia offset by Latin America and Europe.

Performance Coatings: Full-year operating income was up 45 percent, due to performance improvement initiatives, management delayering, lower costs, reduced restructuring expenses and currencies. Revenue was up 7 percent, driven by favorable price/mix and currencies offsetting lower volumes. Volumes were down 2 percent across the segments, impacted by lower demand in Brazil and ongoing spending declines in the global oil and gas industry.

Specialty Chemicals: Full-year operating income was up 20 percent due to continuous improvement programs, favorable currency effects, lower costs and incidental items. Revenue was up 2 percent due to favorable currency effects, partly offset by the divestment of the Paper Chemicals business and adverse price effects. Overall volumes were flat.

Business Area highlights in € million

Outlook
We expect 2016 to be a challenging year. Difficult market conditions continue in Brazil, China and Russia. No significant improvement is anticipated in Europe, particularly in the Buildings and Infrastructure segment. Deflationary pressures continue and currency tailwinds are moderating.

More information on our financial guidance for 2016-2018 can be found on www.akzonobel.com.

The Q4 and full-year 2015 report can be downloaded via the AkzoNobel Report iPad app http://bit.ly/obljrf or read online at www.akzonobel.com/quarterlyresults.
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AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. Calling on centuries of expertise, we supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and sustainable technologies designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability, we are committed to making life more liveable and our cities more human.

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This press release contains statements which address key issues such as AkzoNobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please see our latest annual report, a copy of which can be found on our website www.akzonobel.com