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Strong growth in sales and profitability

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Brussels, 10 May 2023, 18:30 CEST – Titan Cement International SA (Euronext Brussels, ATHEX and Euronext Paris, TITC) announces its summary financial results for the first quarter of 2023.

  • A very strong start to the year, with sales reaching €588.1m, up 29.3%, thanks to increased demand in most of the Group's main markets, mild weather conditions and better price levels.
  • Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached €107.1m, up 131% from a low first quarter in 2022. Profit margins widened thanks to increased sales , reducing costs thanks to the benefits of investments in factories, improving the energy mix with the increased use of alternative fuels and more favorable energy prices.
  • Continued reduction of specific net CO2 emissions and further progress in digitization of production and supply chain.
  • Positive outlook remains, thanks to strengthened demand levels, strengthened prices in the US and Europe and improved performance as more investments are completed.

 

TITAN Group – Review of first quarter results

The year started positively, as in the first quarter of 2023 demand increased across the Group's main product range and prices were set at higher levels, mitigating the effects of continuously higher production costs. High demand and good price levels were observed in the USA, increased sales continued to be recorded in Greece, while in Southeast Europe the existing trends of stability in the local markets were maintained. In Turkey, demand recovered but fell in Egypt. Sales volumes increased across all major product categories, with cement sales up 2%, reflecting strong US and European markets, which benefited from our strong market positions and mild weather conditions. Sales of aggregates and ready-mixed concrete also increased, by 8% and 7% respectively. Higher sales and increased prices in our products in the US and Europe, (~90% of Group sales) pushed total sales in the first quarter of 2023 to €588.1m, registering an increase of 29.3% over first quarter of 2022.

Profitability (EBITDA) increased for the fourth consecutive quarter, while in the last 12 months (April 2022-March 2023) it exceeded €390m. As a result of increased sales and cost improvements, including increased use of alternative fuels and as we begin to see the benefits of the Group's investment spending, profit margins returned close to pre-pandemic levels. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the first quarter of 2023 (107.1 million) were more than double compared to the first quarter of 2022. As a result, net earnings after taxes and minority rights ( NPAT) amounted to €44.3m, compared to €1.3m in the first quarter of 2022.

In millions of euros, unless otherwise specified           1st Quarter
2023
       1st Quarter
2022
%
Sales 588.1 454.6 29,3%
Earnings before taxes, interest and depreciation (EBITDA) 107.1 46.4 130.8%< /td>
Net profit after tax & minority rights 44.3 1.3  
Investment expenses 50.0 38.9  

The Group continued to vigorously implement its investment expenditure program, investing €50m in the first quarter of 2023, focusing mainly on the development perspective of the USA and Greece. In all areas of operation, investments are underway that bring economic as well as environmental benefits, focusing on further improving the energy mix/increasing the use of alternative fuels and on the increased use of cementitious raw materials by reducing the ratio of clinker to cement. The Group's net debt to EBITDA ratio improved further and decreased to 2.1x. Free cash flow recorded a seasonal outflow of €19.7m during the quarter, due to higher investment costs and a greater need for working capital as a result of increased sales. At the end of March 2023, the Group's net borrowing amounted to €837.6 million, higher by €40.4 million compared to December 2022.

The Group further accelerated its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, with net specific CO2 emissions in the first quarter of 2023 reaching below 600 kg/ton of cementitious product, down 6.8% compared to the same period last year. Progress is also being seen in the field of digital transformation as digital production improvement systems are gradually being put into operation in more of the Group's factories, improving our performance.

On 17 March 2023 TCI (“TITC”) joined the FTSE Global MidCap and FTSE All-World indices.

Geographic sector performance for the first quarter of 2023

< tr>

< td width="57">86%

  < em>Sales   EBITDA
In millions of euros, unless otherwise stated 1st Quarter 2023 1st Quarter 2022 %

 < /td>

1st Quarter 2023 1st Quarter< strong> 2022 %

USA 362.9 265.5 *37% 66.3 20,9 217%
Greece & W. Europe 93.8 72.0 < em>30% 17.5 9.4
Southeastern Europe 83.8 63.7 32% 18.0 10,7 68%
Eastern Mediterranean 47.5 53.4 -11% 5.4< /td>

5,4 -1%

* 31% in US dollars ($)

US

The US economy continued to move upward at the beginning of the year. Titan America's sales and profitability reached higher levels continuing the trend of the previous two quarters. Markets in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic States continued to grow at faster rates than the national average, reflecting locally resilient economic conditions and a positive investment climate. Also, favorable weather conditions in the first quarter helped boost cement sales. Particularly high levels of in-migration to Florida have both boosted household formation in a housing-deficient state and spurred activity in the commercial real estate market. Despite any slowdown in the single-family home sector in some areas, demand is shifting to the large housing complex sector, which is seeing growth. An increase is also recorded in the commercial real estate sector. The healthy economic condition of the states in which we operate in the US and the intensification of infrastructure projects are steadily driving cement demand growth and backlog growth.

Profitability growth continued with price increases helping to restore margins, responding to the challenges posed by higher cost prices. Logistics development projects at the two US import terminals are continuing as originally planned. Titan America benefited from improved production costs thanks to investments in digitizing cement production and optimizing logistics.

Greece & Western Europe

Greece recorded a very strong first quarter as sales and profitability increased significantly across all product categories, leveraging our vertically integrated operations in the country. Performance was also boosted by mild weather conditions and was favorable compared to the lows of the first quarter of 2022.

Demand was boosted by a large number of public projects and tourism-related investments, which traditionally increase as the tourist season approaches. The housing market and renovation work remained stable. Price increases took effect from the beginning of the year for all products in order for the Group to cover the increased costs of high energy, raw material and transportation prices. Most of the Group's cement exports were directed to Titan America and the Group's network of stations in Europe, recording a significant increase in sales and prices. The major investment of the calcification unit at the Kamari plant in Athens has been completed and it is estimated that the use of alternative fuels and raw materials will increase from the end of this month.

Southeast Europe

In the region of Southeast Europe inflation exceeded 10% affecting all production costs. However, demand remained high during a mild winter, allowing the Group to increase sales and recover margins. The good performance in the region is due to increased sales volumes and cost containment measures. The factors shaping demand varied across individual markets and ranged from small projects and renovations to major infrastructure projects and construction in the residential market, depending on the country. The operation of the Group's factories continued with great reliability, while thanks to the investments made we were able to increase the use of alternative fuels, thus improving the energy mix and reducing our costs.

East Mediterranean

Performance in the region remained strong at the start of the year despite the volatile environment.

Inflation in Egypt has reached even higher levels and reforms are being implemented at a slow pace. Although government regulation of the market still exists, private sector consumption has shrunk. Inadequate foreign reserves and significant cuts in government spending adversely affect the investment climate.

In Turkey, performance remained stable despite macroeconomic difficulties and the effects of hyperinflation. Both sales and profitability increased, thanks to favorable weather conditions that boosted construction activity, while hyperinflation was reflected in price levels. Consumption continues to draw a boost from private sector projects despite government investment cuts, with divergent trends seen across the country's various sub-markets.

Brazil (Consortium)

The prolonged period of increased rainfall as well as persistently high levels of interest rates and inflation continued to adversely affect the cement industry. Cement consumption decreased by 1.2% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022, but cement consumption in the region in which the Group operates increased by 1.4%. Apodi's sales in the first quarter of 2023 amounted to €29.5 million, compared to €22.5 million in the first quarter of 2022, while EBITDA profits increased to €3.5 million, compared to €2.7 million. in the first quarter of 2022.

Outlook

Global economic conditions appear to have partially stabilized and economic activity in both Europe and the US remains more resilient than initial estimates, indicating stronger than forecast demand. However, further restrictive monetary policy or maintaining existing measures for a longer period of time is possible. These factors are likely to affect investment and construction activity, so we remain relatively cautious about our forward-looking estimates.

The US economy has had a strong start to the year, confirming estimates that fundamentals are strong. The dynamism of the economy is reflected in the very low levels of unemployment and the subsequent increase in wages. Available homes remain below average while increased demand in the multi-family housing sector offsets the decline in the single-family housing market. Demand in the commercial real estate, hospitality and healthcare industries is healthy in the regions where we operate. Also, demand in the infrastructure sector is strong, while the benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will start to become more apparent in the second half of 2023. The privileged geographical markets in which we operate, the strong positions we have achieved in our markets and cost optimization allow us to be optimistic about our performance in the US for 2023.

Greece seems to be maintaining its development path, thanks to public works, the country's strong tourism sector and the faster absorption of EU funds. Major infrastructure projects, including the major urban development of Ellinikos, are starting to increase sales volumes.

Performance in Southeast Europe is expected to continue at the levels of the last twelve months. The Group will continue to supply the market through its unique network of factories in the region, while demand is based on both residential projects and infrastructure projects, depending on the dynamics of the individual markets.

In Egypt, cement consumption is expected to remain relatively low for the foreseeable future, while intensifying macroeconomic difficulties put more pressure on the government to undertake structural reforms and stimulate the economy.

In Turkey, the needs of reconstruction, rehabilitation of the transport network and the implementation of infrastructure projects in the earthquake-affected areas, as well as the need to secure housing for the hundreds of thousands of displaced residents, are expected to have wider effects on cement consumption in the coming years.

The Group started the year strongly. The performance in the first quarter demonstrated the momentum of our products and geographic presence, benefiting from our network synergies and vertically integrated presence in our core markets in the US and Europe. Our goal is to continue to achieve growth and profitability on a broad basis, with sustainability, customer proximity and efficiency in the use of resources and means of production as the main pillars, while at the same time accelerating our growth investments.

< td width="6"> 

< td width="104">11,969

< tr>

< /tr>

< td width="6"> 

Summary of Interim Consolidated Statement of Results
         
(amounts in thousands of €)   For the quarter ended 3/31
  2023   2022
    &nbsp ;
Sales   588,060   454,638
Cost of Sales   -461,716   -395,338
Gross earnings   126,344   59,300
Other net operating income   1,846   1,459
Administrative and disposal expenses   -56,912   -48,790
Operating Profits   71,278  
Financial operation income/expenses   -12,029   -8,380
Changes of the fair value of interest rate swaps   -1,970   1,443
Foreign exchange losses   -3,835   -2,902
Net Monetary Position Gains in Hyperinflationary Economies   2,743  < /td>

Participation in losses of related companies and joint ventures   -536   -627
Earnings before taxes   55,651   1,503
Income Tax &nbsp ; -11,252   -781
Profits after taxes   < strong>44,399   722
         
The net profits amount to :        
Shareholders of the Company   44,271   1,311
Unchecked Entries   128   -589
    44,399   722
         
Earnings after taxes per share – basic (in €)   0.6262   0.0181
Earnings after taxes per share – adjusted (in €)   0.6255 0.0181
         
Earnings before taxes, financial and investment earnings, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
         
(amounts in thousands of €)   For the quarter ended 3/31
    2023   2022
    &nbsp ;    
Operating profits   71,278   11,969
Depreciation of tangible and intangible assets   35,853   34,445
Earnings before taxes, financial and investment results, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)   107,131   46,414

< td width="104">31/3/2023

< td width="104">3,081

< /tr>

< td width="104"> 

< tr>

< td width="379"> 
Summary of Interim Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
         < /td>
(amounts in thousands of €)     31/12/2022
         
Active        
Tangible assets and investment properties   1,649,619   1,675,714
Intangible assets and goodwill   357,695   364,707
Investments in related companies and joint ventures   103,923   100,412
Other non-current assets   34,325   35,515
Deferred tax assets     5,730
Total non-current assets   2,148,643   2,182,078
         
Stocks   377,241   394,672
Receivables, prepayments and other current assets   361,655   311,846
Cash available and equivalents   64,086   105,703
Total Current Assets  < /td>

802.982   812.221< /strong>
         
Total Assets   2,951,625   2,994,299
         
Equity and Liabilities        
Total equity and reserves that attributable to shareholders of the parent Company   1,390,598  < /td>

1,394,533
Unchecked Entries   32,269   29,741
Total Equity (a)   1,422,867   1,424,274
       
Long-term loan and lease obligations   792,423   763,598
Deferred tax liabilities   129,437   130,113
Other long-term liabilities   102,905  < /td>

102,466
Total long-term liabilities   1,024,765   996,177
         
Short-term loan and lease obligations   109,286   139,366
Payables to suppliers, income tax and other current liabilities   394,707   434,482
Total current liabilities   503,993   573,848
         
Total liabilities (b)   1,528,758   1,570,025
       
Total Equity and Liabilities (a)+(b)   2,951,625   2,994,299

< /tr>

< /tr>

< td width="9"> 

Summary of Interim Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
         
(amounts in thousands of €)   For the quarter ended 3/31
    2023   2022
         
Cash Flows from Operating Activities        
< strong>Profits after taxes   44,399   722
Depreciation of tangible and intangible assets   35,853   34,445
Interest and related expenses   11,586   8,253
Hyperinflation Adjustments   -3,556  
Other non-cash adjustments  < /td>

24,337   11,595
Income taxes paid   -2,881   -2,118
Changes in working capital   -82,148   -50,546
Total inputs from operational activities (a)   27,590   2,351
         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Net payments for the acquisition of tangible and intangible assets   -49,090   -38,712
Net receipts from other investing activities   – 4,619   -1.276
Total outflows from investment activities (b)   -53,709   -39,988
 < /td>

       
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Net payouts from own share transactions   -3,502   -6,714
Debit interest and related expenses paid   -10,808   -6,155
Net receipts from withdrawals/(repayments) of lines of credit and derivatives   2,096   42,858
Total (outflows)/inflows from financial activities (c)   -12,214   29,989
       
Net decrease in cash and equivalents (a)+(b)+(c)   -38,333   -7,648
         
Opening cash and equivalents< /td>

  105,703   79,882
Effect of currency differences   -3,284   -1,875
Period End Cash and Equivalents   64,086   70,359
General Definitions
< strong>Index   Definition   Purpose
         
CapEx   Acquisitions/additions of intangible and tangible assets, rights of use and investment assets   Assists Group management in monitoring capital expenditures
EBITDA   Operating earnings plus depreciation and amortization of intangibles and property, plant and equipment and amortization of government grants   It is an indicator of operating profitability that allows operating segments to be compared consistently each fiscal year
Net borrowing   Sum of long-term loans and lease obligations and short-term loans and lease obligations (total gross debt), less cash and cash equivalents   Helps Group management in debt monitoring
NPAT   Net profit after taxes attributable to shareholders of the parent company   Allows for consistent comparison of total earnings each fiscal year
Free cash flow from operating activities   Cash flow from operating activities less payments for CapEx   Measures the Group's ability to convert profit into cash by managing operating cash flows and capital expenditures
Operating Profits   Earnings before taxes, participations in the profits/(losses) of associates and joint ventures and net financial operating expenses   It is an indicator of operating profitability that allows operating profits to be compared consistently from year to year

Financial Calendar

< td width="518">Announcement of results for the third quarter and nine months 2023

   
28 Iunion 2023

 

Dividend cut
June 292023 Determination of dividend beneficiaries
05 July 2023< /strong> Dividend payment
July 27, 2023 Second quarter and A' results announcement semester 2023  
November 9, 2023  
  • This press release is available on the website of Titan Cement International SA via the link https://ir.titan-cement.com
  • For more information contact the Investor Relations department, tel. +30 210 2591 257
  • At 15:00 CEST (11/05/2023) the briefing of analysts and investors will take place via video conference: https://87399.themediaframe.eu/links/titan230511.html

DISCLAIMER:This report may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to or are based on the current intentions, beliefs or expectations of the company's management regarding, among other things, TITAN Group's future results of business, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies or developmentsof the industry where we operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may result in actual results or future conditions that differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions may adversely affect the outcome and financial consequences of the plans or events described in the statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this report regarding trends or current operations should not be construed as if they were to remain as they are in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. One should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are valid only at the time of this report. The information contained in this report is subject to change without notice. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, plausibility or completeness of the information contained herein and no reliance should be placed on it. In most of the tables in this report, the amounts are expressed in millions of € for the sake of transparency. There may be differences with the tables in the summary due to rounding of amounts. The summary was prepared in English and translated into Greek. In case of differences between the two texts, the text in the English version prevails.

About Titan Cement International SA   < /strong>
The TITAN Group is an international company in the field of building materials for constructions and infrastructures that offers innovative solutions for a better world. With most of its activity in the US, it employs more than 5,000 people worldwide and has a presence in over 25 countries, with leadership in the US, Greece, the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. It also has a joint venture in Brazil. With 120 years of history, the Group maintains a family culture that promotes entrepreneurial spirit, while working methodically with its clients to meet the modern needs of society, while promoting sustainable development with responsibility and integrity. Titan has set a target of zero carbon emissions by 2050, with its CO₂ reduction targets scientifically validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). The Group is listed on Euronext and the Athens Stock Exchange. For more information, visit our website at www.titancement< /u>.com.

Source: eurokerdos.cyprustimes.com

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