Agfa Gevaert : comments on its achievements in 2018 – regulated information

Major steps in the Agfa-Gevaert Group's transformation process

· Internal split-up into Agfa HealthCare and Agfa within the Agfa-Gevaert Group

· New, simplified divisional structure

· Strategic alliance in the offset industry

· Refocus on core businesses

· Reorganization of hardcopy distribution channels in China

· Further pension de-risking

Financial results

· Strong volume growth in HealthCare Information Solutions, Direct Radiography and a number of businesses of Agfa Specialty Products

· Top line decline of 3.2% excluding currency effects and portfolio rationalizations

· Recurring EBITDA at 8% of revenue, in line with guidance

· Net loss and increase in net financial debt largely due to transformation investments

Mortsel (Belgium), March 13, 2019 - Agfa-Gevaert today commented on its achievements in 2018.

MAJOR STEPS IN THE AGFA-GEVAERT GROUP'S TRANSFORMATION PROCESS

'In 2018, we have taken major steps to transform our Group, resulting in the separation of the HealthCare IT business (renamed Agfa HealthCare) from the rest of the activities (renamed Agfa). The new Agfa HealthCare now has the means and the independence it needs to be a leader in its markets and to further build its already strong IT portfolio. Furthermore, the impact of the steps we have taken to drive the consolidation of the offset industry, should not be underestimated. The alliance with Lucky and the acquisition of Ipagsa have far-reaching consequences for our activities, and even for the offset industry as a whole. We are now looking into various options to strengthen the other activities of Agfa. It is our goal to secure the future of both Agfa HealthCare and Agfa, giving them the power and the means to pursue profitable growth,' said Christian Reinaudo, President and CEO of the Agfa-Gevaert Group.

Split-up into Agfa HealthCare and Agfa within the Agfa-Gevaert Group

The internal technical split-up of the Group in two parts was successfully concluded. January 1, 2019, two new entities emerged within the Agfa-Gevaert Group: Agfa HealthCare and Agfa. The new Agfa HealthCare groups all IT related activities of the former Agfa HealthCare business group. The new Agfa includes the activities of the former Agfa Graphics and Agfa Specialty Products business groups, as well as the Imaging activities of the former Agfa HealthCare business group. This split-up gives both entities the independence to seek partnerships and to take the necessary strategic steps to pursue future profitable growth.

New, simplified divisional structure

The activities of the newly created Agfa have been regrouped into three divisions: Offset Solutions (the prepress business of the former Agfa Graphics business group), Digital Print & Chemicals (the inkjet business of the former Agfa Graphics business group and the activities of the former Agfa Specialty Products business group) and Radiology Solutions (the imaging activities of the former Agfa HealthCare business group). This simplified divisional structure is technology and solutions based and will allow Agfa to seek future partnerships. As from the first quarter of 2019, the Agfa-Gevaert Group's financial reporting will be based on this new Group structure.

Strategic alliance in the offset industry

Several major steps have been taken to realize the Agfa-Gevaert Group's ambition to drive the consolidation of the offset industry. Firstly, Agfa entered into an important strategic prepress alliance with the Chinese company Lucky HuaGuang Graphics Co. Ltd. This alliance should allow both companies to realize growth through the optimization of their respective strengths in the fields of manufacturing, technology and distribution of graphic prepress products and services. It is an important step in the further development of Agfa's strategy to offer its offset customers more choice and to strengthen its global presence in this market segment in a profitable way. Secondly, the prepress business of the Spanish printing plate supplier Ipagsa Industrial S.L. was acquired. It is expected that in 2019, this acquisition will already contribute to Agfa's top line with a strong EBITDA percentage. Thirdly, the closure of the printing plate factory in Branchburg, New Jersey (USA) was a further step in the strategic plan to optimize the global production capacity and supply chain for printing plates.

Refocus on core businesses

Major decisions have been taken to streamline the portfolios of the two entities. The discontinuation of certain less profitable activities will allow them to strengthen the focus on their core businesses. Amon other things, in the field of offset, it was decided to discontinue certain prepress-related reseller activities in the United States. In the field of healthcare IT, it was decided to refocus the Imaging IT Solutions business on core geographies, leaving certain less important countries where the margins for this business were not sustainable.

Reorganization of hardcopy distribution channels in China

The Agfa-Gevaert Group finalized the reorganization of the hardcopy distribution channels in China, eliminating several steps in the supply chain. Initially, the reorganization had a considerable impact on this business' top line, but the effects have started to fade over the past few quarters.

Further pension de-risking

The Agfa-Gevaert Group took several measures to reduce the risks related to pension liabilities. The Group has put in place a two-year program consisting of several pension de-risking initiatives in the US and the UK.

Future steps

After a strategic options review, the Board of Directors of the Agfa-Gevaert Group has decided to further extend the independence of Agfa HealthCare. In this respect, the Board will be appointing J.P. Morgan as financial advisor. Further details on scope and timing will be communicated in due course.
In the field of offset, the alliance with Lucky HuaGuang Graphics Co. Ltd. will be extended, as both companies will explore additional options to intensify their collaboration in R&D, manufacturing and distribution.
Strategic steps similar to the ones taken in the offset business, will be examined for the other businesses of Agfa.
Projects will be launched to further streamline the various businesses of the Agfa-Gevaert Group, aiming at reducing operational costs and improving profitability.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

'Overall, our 2018 results are in line with our guidance. The top line was influenced by measures to streamline our product portfolios. Furthermore, we have invested heavily in the future of our Group. If we would exclude the investments related to the transformation process, we would have posted a positive net result, said Christian Reinaudo, President and CEO of the Agfa-Gevaert Group. 'This is the last time that we will comment on the results of the former Agfa Graphics, Agfa HealthCare and Agfa Specialty Products business groups. As from next quarter, our financial reporting will be based on our new Group structure.'

Agfa-Gevaert Group - full year 2018

in million Euro	2017	2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	2,443	2,247	-8.0% (-5.3%)
Gross profit (*)	814	722	-11.3%
% of revenue	33.3%	32.1%
Recurring EBITDA (*)	222	179	-19.4%
% of revenue	9.1%	8.0%
Recurring EBIT (*)	169	125	-26.4%
% of revenue	6.9%	5.5%
Result from operating activities	138	59
Result for the period	45	(15)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities	39	(44)

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

The Agfa-Gevaert Group's full year top line evolution was strongly impacted by the discontinuation of certain prepress-related reseller activities in the United States and by currency effects. Excluding these elements, the Group's revenue decline amounted to 3.2%. Several growth engines - including Agfa HealthCare's HealthCare Information Solutions and Direct Radiography systems, as well as several activities of Agfa Specialty Products - posted top line growth.

Mainly due to adverse product/mix effects and high aluminum costs, the Group's gross profit margin decreased to 32.1% of revenue.

Selling and General Administration expenses decreased from 496 million Euro in 2017 to 476 million Euro (21.2% of revenue).

R&D expenses amounted to 141 million Euro, or 6.3% of revenue. The Group continues to invest in innovation to remain or become the technology leader in its key markets.

Recurring EBITDA reached 8.0% of revenue, versus 9.1% in 2017. Recurring EBIT reached 5.5% of revenue.

Mainly due to investments related to the transformation of the Agfa-Gevaert Group, including the closure of the printing plate factory in Branchburg (USA), restructuring and non-recurring items resulted in an expense of 66 million Euro, versus an expense of 31 million Euro in the previous year.

The net finance costs remained stable at 39 million Euro.

Income tax expenses amounted to 34 million Euro, versus 53 million Euro in 2017.

As a result of the elements mentioned above, the Agfa-Gevaert Group posted a net loss of 15 million Euro. Excluding the investments related to the transformation process, the net result would have been positive.

Financial position and cash flow

• At the end of 2018, total assets were 2,367 million Euro, compared to 2,233 million Euro at the end of 2017.
• Trade working capital moved from 644 million Euro (26% of sales) at the end of 2017 to 653 million Euro (29% of sales) at the end of 2018.
• Net financial debt amounted to 144 million Euro, versus 18 million Euro at the end of 2017. The increase is largely due to the investments related to the transformation of the company and to the closure of the printing plate factory in Branchburg.
• Net cash from operating activities amounted to minus 44 million Euro.

Agfa Graphics - full year 2018

in million Euro	2017	2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	1,195	1,049	-12.2%(-9.9%)
Recurring EBITDA (*)	77.0	40.3	-47.7%
% of revenue	6.4%	3.8%
Recurring EBIT (*)	52.8	17.0	-67.9%
% of revenue	4.4%	1.6%

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

Excluding the effects of the decision to discontinue certain prepress-related reseller activities in the United States and currency effects, Agfa Graphics' top line decreased by 5.7%.

On top of the portfolio reorganization, the prepress segment's top line was impacted by 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. In the course of 2018, important strategic steps have been taken that should help to restore the prepress segment's top line and margins.

In the inkjet segment, the high-end Jeti wide format printer range performed solidly and continuous strong volume growth was recorded for the ink range.

Mainly due to adverse product and regional mix effects and high aluminum costs, Agfa Graphics' gross profit margin decreased from 29.1% of revenue in 2017 to 26.4%. Recurring EBITDA amounted to 40.3 million Euro (3.8% of revenue), versus 77.0 million Euro (6.4% of revenue) in 2017 and recurring EBIT reached 17.0 million Euro (1.6% of revenue), versus 52.8 million Euro (4.4% of revenue).

Agfa HealthCare - full year 2018

in million Euro	2017	2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	1,052	1,004	-4.6% (-1.0%)
Recurring EBITDA (*)	131.1	118.1	-9.9%
% of revenue	12.5%	11.8%
Recurring EBIT (*)	105.9	91.0	-14.0%
% of revenue	10.1%	9.1%

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

On a currency comparable basis, Agfa HealthCare's revenue decline was limited to 1.0%. The Imaging segment's hardcopy business started to recover from the reorganization of the distribution channels in China, which is expected to start showing results in the next quarters. The Direct Radiography growth engine reported volume growth.

In the IT segment, the HealthCare Information Solutions business performed strongly, reporting close to double digit volume growth. The Imaging IT Solutions business performed according to expectations, with good performances in most major geographies and a slowdown in the USA. In the course of the year, the company accompanied its customer base in user adoption of its new Enterprise Imaging platform, the equivalent of the EMR for image information. In addition, the company refocused its business on core geographies and it adapted to an increasing degree of customer managed and purchased infrastructure.

Mainly due to adverse product/mix effects in the Imaging segment, Agfa HealthCare's gross profit margin evolved from 39.8% of revenue in 2017 to 39.3%. Recurring EBITDA decreased from 131.1 million Euro (12.5% of revenue) in 2017 to 118.1 million Euro (11.8% of revenue). Recurring EBIT reached 91.0 million Euro (9.1% of revenue), versus 105.9 million Euro (10.1% of revenue) in the previous year.

Agfa Specialty Products - full year 2018

in million Euro	2017	2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	195	194	-0.7% (0.2%)
Recurring EBITDA (*)	18.0	23.2	29.5%
% of revenue	9.2%	12.0%
Recurring EBIT (*)	14.7	19.3	31.3%
% of revenue	7.5%	10.0%

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

Excluding currency effects, Agfa Specialty Products posted a small top line increase. Most future-oriented businesses, including Synaps Synthetic Paper and the Specialty Chemicals business (including Orgacon Electronic Materials) performed well.

The business group's recurring EBITDA reached 23.2 million Euro (12.0% of revenue). Recurring EBIT amounted to 19.3 million Euro (10.0% of revenue).

Fourth quarter results

Agfa-Gevaert Group - fourth quarter 2018

in million Euro	Q4 2017	Q4 2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	640	600	-6.3% (-5.5%)
Gross profit (*)	214	192	-9.8%
% of revenue	33.4%	32.1%
Recurring EBITDA (*)	70	58	-16.5%
% of revenue	10.9%	9.7%
Recurring EBIT (*)	56	44	-22.5%
% of revenue	8.8%	7.3%
Result from operating activities	39	6
Result for the period	(4)	(23)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities	25	(25)

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

Excluding portfolio rationalizations and currency effects, the Agfa-Gevaert Group's revenue decline amounted to 3.4%, which is markedly better than in the previous quarter. Top line growth was recorded for several of the Group's growth engines, including Agfa HealthCare's HealthCare Information Solutions and Direct Radiography systems, as well as several activities of Agfa Specialty Products.

Driven by adverse product/mix effects and high aluminum costs, the Group's gross profit margin decreased to 32.1% of revenue.

Recurring EBITDA reached 9.7% of revenue, versus 10.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017. This is a clear improvement versus the previous quarters of the year. Recurring EBIT reached 7.3% of revenue.

Partly due to investments related to the transformation of the Company and to costs related to the closure of the printing plate factory in Branchburg (USA), restructuring and non-recurring items resulted in an expense of 37 million Euro, versus an expense of 17 million Euro in the previous year.

The net finance costs decreased from 11 million Euro in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 8 million Euro.

Income tax amounted to 21 million Euro, versus 31 million Euro in the fourth quarter of 2017.

As a result of the elements mentioned above, the Agfa-Gevaert Group posted a net loss of 23 million Euro.

Agfa Graphics - fourth quarter 2018

in million Euro	Q4 2017	Q4 2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	302	271	-10.0% (-10.9%)
Recurring EBITDA (*)	20.0	11.2	-43.9%
% of revenue	6.6%	4.1%
Recurring EBIT (*)	14.1	5.5	-61.0%
% of revenue	4.7%	2.0%

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

Excluding the effects of the decision to discontinue certain prepress-related reseller activities in the United States, Agfa Graphics' top line decreased by 5.4%.

The prepress segment continued to suffer from the elements mentioned above. The strategic steps taken to drive the consolidation of the offset industry are expected to become visible in the top line and bottom line in the course of 2019.

In the inkjet segment, the ink range continued to report solid volume growth.

Mainly due to adverse product and regional mix effects and high aluminum costs, Agfa Graphics' gross profit margin decreased from 28.3% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 25.9%. Recurring EBITDA amounted to 11.2 million Euro (4.1% of revenue), versus 20.0 million Euro (6.6% of revenue) in the fourth quarter of 2017 and recurring EBIT reached 5.5 million Euro (2.0% of revenue), versus 14.1 million Euro (4.7% of revenue).

As part of its strategic plan to optimize its global production capacity and supply chain for printing plates, Agfa Graphics decided to close its offset printing plate factory in Branchburg, New Jersey, USA.

In the field of prepress, the Brazilian Association of Graphic Technology (ABTG) named Agfa Graphics the 'Best Printing Plates Supplier' during the Fernando Pini Awards ceremony. The ABTG's award is generally recognized as one of the most important awards in the global printing industry.

Furthermore, a 5-year contract for chemistry-free printing plates and associated products was signed with News Corp Australia, Australia's number one media company and part of the world's largest media and information service. In the UK, Agfa Graphics won the printing plate tender for St Clements Press (1988) ltd., part of the Financial Times. Other major prepress contracts were signed with, among other companies: Conquest and RPI Printing (both in the USA); Independent News & Media (Ireland); Newsprinters and Interpress (both in the UK); Maury and MMP Premium (both in France); KLS Pure Print (Denmark).

In the field of inkjet, Agfa Graphics was named a Preferred Partner by SpeedPro Imaging, an important US printing and graphics franchise. Many SpeedPro Studios have purchased inkjet equipment from Agfa Graphics over the years and are taking advantage of the partnership.

In October, Agfa Graphics' Jeti Tauro H3300 LED inkjet printing system made its North American debut at the SGIA Expo. TC Transcontinental, Canada's largest printer, was the first in North America to adopt the Jeti Tauro H3300 LED printer, followed by Sandy Alexander, one of the largest privately owned graphic communications companies in the USA. In Japan, Artlink - the largest inkjet printing company in the Hokkaido area - decided to install a Jeti Mira printing system.

Furthermore, the Jeti Tauro H3300 LED system took home gold at the 2018 Canadian Printing Awards in the wide format category. The Canadian Printing Awards celebrate the creativity and innovation of Canada's printing industry.

Agfa HealthCare - fourth quarter 2018

in million Euro	Q4 2017	Q4 2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	291	280	-3.7% (-1.0%)
Recurring EBITDA (*)	47.0	40.9	-13.0%
% of revenue	16.1%	14.6%
Recurring EBIT (*)	40.5	33.3	-17.9%
% of revenue	13.9%	11.9%

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

Excluding currency effects, Agfa HealthCare's revenue decreased by only 1.0% compared to the strong fourth quarter of 2017. Volumes in the Imaging segment's hardcopy business started to pick up again. The Direct Radiography business posted strong double-digit revenue growth.

The IT segment performed according to expectations with continuously strong top line growth for the HealthCare Information Solutions range.

Agfa HealthCare's gross profit margin evolved from 40.4% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 39.4%. Recurring EBITDA decreased from 47.0 million Euro (16.1% of revenue) in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 40.9 million Euro (14.6% of revenue). Recurring EBIT reached 33.3 million Euro (11.9% of revenue), versus 40.5 million Euro (13.9% of revenue) in the previous year.

In the field of Imaging, Agfa HealthCare signed an agreement with China Meheco Corporation, a leading distributor and producer of pharmaceuticals in China. The contract covers the distribution of Agfa HealthCare's DRYSTAR film and equipment to hospitals and other healthcare centers in several provinces of China.

In the USA, Agfa HealthCare was awarded a group purchasing agreement with Premier, allowing Premier members to take advantage of pre-negotiated prices and terms for Agfa HealthCare's line of Direct Radiography (DR) systems. Furthermore, Florida Hospital (part of the Advent Health system) will install Agfa HealthCare's DR800 system at three facilities.

In the field of Imaging IT Solutions, GenesisCare rolls out Enterprise Imaging for Cardiology to all of its cardiology clinics across Australia, following a successful pilot. GenesisCare is the largest private provider of cardiology services in Australia, offering those services to more than 80 locations across the country.

In November, Agfa HealthCare announced the successful go-live of the latest version of Enterprise Imaging in Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. The solution consolidates imaging data into one single platform and provides secure access to a patient's medical images 'anywhere, anytime'.

The Amsterdam UMC - site Academic Medical Center (AMC) (the Netherlands) decided to implement Enterprise Imaging for its radiology and enterprise-wide image management. The merging of the enterprise-wide imaging environment into Agfa HealthCare's Enterprise Imaging brings images from throughout the enterprise into a single, unified environment, giving clinicians fast access to images.

At RSNA 2018, Agfa HealthCare demonstrated developments in progress to its purpose-built Enterprise Imaging platform, previewing how it will serve as the foundation to enable machine learning and evidence-based AI.

Agfa Specialty Products - fourth quarter 2018

in million Euro	Q4 2017	Q4 2018	% change (excl. FX effects)
Revenue	47	48	0.9% (0.5%)
Recurring EBITDA (*)	3.5	6.2	77.9%
% of revenue	7.3%	13.0%
Recurring EBIT (*)	2.7	5.2	92.5%
% of revenue	5.7%	10.9%

(*) before restructuring and non-recurring items

Agfa Specialty Products' top line increased by 0.9% to 48 million Euro, with good performances of the Specialty Chemicals business (including Orgacon Electronic Materials) and the Industrial Foils business.

The business group's recurring EBITDA increased to 6.2 million Euro (13.0% of revenue). Recurring EBIT reached 5.2 million Euro (10.9% of revenue).

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. Julien De Wilde, 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.

Confirmation Information - press release Agfa-Gevaert NV

The statutory auditor, KPMG Bedrijfsrevisoren - Réviseurs d'Entreprises, represented by H. Van Donink, has confirmed that the audit procedures, which have been substantially completed, have not revealed any material misstatement in the accounting information included in the Company's annual announcement.

Berchem, March 13, 2019

KPMG Bedrijfsrevisoren / Réviseurs d'Entreprises

Represented by
H. Van Donink
Partner

Contact:

Viviane Dictus
Director Corporate Communication
Septestraat 27
2640 Mortsel - Belgium
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Johan Jacobs
Corporate Press Relations Manager
T +32 (0)3/444 80 15
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Click here for Agfa's consolidated statements.