Wienerberger: Resilient 2020 performance and a strong platform for further growth

In line with the company's balanced, long-term profit distribution policy, Wienerberger paid out a dividend of € 67 million and returned another € 20 million to its shareholders through share buyback transactions in 2020. Moreover, the hybrid bond, previously accounted for as equity, was redeemed for an amount of € 215 million. In view of recent capital returns and refinancing activity, the Managing Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting that a dividend of € 0.60 per share, unchanged from the previous year, be paid out for the 2020 business year.

Robust developments in all Business Units

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Wienerberger delivered a strong performance in each of its three Business Units. The Wienerberger Building Solutions Business Unit generated revenues of € 2.1 billion (2019: € 2.2 billion). Notwithstanding the substantial restrictions imposed through Covid-19 lockdowns, EBITDA LFL amounted to € 414 million, falling short of the previous year's level (2019: € 456 million) by only 9%. At Wienerberger Piping Solutions, proactive margin management and strict cost discipline resulted in improved operational performance and strong profitability. While revenues declined slightly by 3% to € 933 million, EBITDA LFL grew by 4% to € 104 million. The North America Business Unit reported a slight decrease in revenue of 3% to € 325 million. This was more than offset by disciplined cost management and continuous portfolio optimization, leading EBITDA LFL to increase steeply by 23% to € 48 million.

Focus on sustainable solutions

Wienerberger will continue to advance its growth strategy throughout 2021. The company's focus remains on operational excellence, organic growth through innovation, external growth through M&A and substantial improvements in the field of ESG.