SFS : Solid operating performance despite overvalued Swiss franc

Dividend of CHF 1.50 per share proposed

Thanks to the robust earnings power, the equity ratio rose from 80.4% in 2014 to 82.6% despite the negative currency effects. Net cash amounted to CHF 127.4 million at the end of the reporting period.

In light of the company's operating results, good cash position and solid balance sheet, the Board of Directors will submit a motion at the Annual General Meeting to pay out an unchanged dividend of CHF 1.50 per share from capital contribution reserves.

Outlook for the 2016 financial year

The many measures introduced during the course of 2015 are now gaining more traction and will offset some of the unfavorable effects of the Swiss franc's appreciation. Based on the same exchange rates as last year, SFS expects consolidated sales to increase by 2-4% in 2016 and the adjusted operating profit margin (EBITA margin) to improve from 12.5% to 13-14%.

Annual report available online

The annual report is available online at http://annualreport.sfs.biz/. For the first time it contains a chapter on sustainability.

Exclusion of liability

This media release includes forward looking statements. These statements reflect the SFS Group's current assessment of market conditions and future events. The statements are therefore subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Unforeseen events may lead to deviations of the actual results from the forecasts and estimates made in this presentation and in other published information. To this extent, all forward looking statements in this media release are subject to such limitations.