Press Release: SIKA ACHIEVES RECORD RESULTS IN 2017

Sika AG / SIKA ACHIEVES RECORD RESULTS IN 2017. Processed and

transmitted by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely

responsible for the content of this announcement.

-- Record results for sales, operating profit (EBIT) and net profit

-- Sales reaching CHF 6,248.3 million (+9.0% in local currencies)

-- EBIT increased to CHF 896.3 million (+12.7%)

-- Net profit grew to CHF 649.0 million (+14.5%)

-- Growth in all regions

-- 9 new factories opened, 3 national subsidiaries established, 7

acquisitions

-- Strategic targets for 2020 confirmed

The Sika success story continued in 2017 with another record year. In

local currencies, sales increased by 9.0% to CHF 6,248.3 million. Strong

growth momentum and disciplined cost management led to new record

figures of CHF 896.3 million (+CHF 101.0 million, +12.7%) for operating

profit and CHF 649.0 million (+14.5%) for net profit. In the reporting

year, 19 key investments were realized with a view to driving future

growth. The strategic targets for 2020 were confirmed, and the growth

target for 2018 raised to more than 10%.

Paul Schuler, CEO: "In the business year 2017 we continued our growth

trajectory and not only reached sales of more than CHF 6 billion for the

first time, but also achieved record figures for operating profit and

net profit. With nine new factories, three further national subsidiaries,

and seven acquisitions, we continued to invest in our international

expansion at a high level. My thanks go to our more than 18,400

employees worldwide and the management team. Their loyalty, commitment

and great efforts are responsible for us achieving record results once

again."

All regions reported higher sales and were able to further increase

market share. Particularly high growth rates were achieved in the USA,

Mexico, Argentina, China, Southeast Asia, the Pacific area, the Middle

East, Eastern Europe, and Africa, as well as in the automotive area. In

cumulative terms, sales were up 9.0% in local currencies. The strength

of the franc led to conversion effects of -0.3%, and thus to an 8.7%

increase in sales in Swiss franc terms to CHF 6,248.3 million.

RECORD PROFIT

The high growth momentum produced above-average increases in the

operating result and profit. Raw material price increases and volatility

posed a challenge, with access to raw materials in China, for example,

being limited by environmental constraints introduced by the government.

Thanks to persistent cost management, margins were boosted further,

while record figures were recorded for both EBIT (CHF 896.3 million,

+12.7%) and net profit (CHF 649.0 million, +14.5%).

GROWTH IN ALL REGIONS

Sales in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) increased by 7.5%

in local currencies (previous year: 4.6%). The major EU countries, with

the core markets of France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, recorded

strong growth rates. The Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa all

delivered double-digit growth.

At 18.4%, it was the North America region that posted the strongest

growth (previous year: 7.8%), of which 8.5% was through acquisitions.

Sika reported a significant increase in its business volume in the USA,

growing much more rapidly than the local construction market in the

reporting year. The positive development of the North American business

was attributable in particular to the targeted investment in this region

over the last few years.

The Latin America region increased sales by 3.3% (previous year: 5.1%).

Both Mexico and Argentina generated above-average growth. By contrast,

construction activity continued to develop modestly in the countries

that are more dependent on the raw material sector, such as Brazil, Peru,

and Chile.

Sales in the Asia/Pacific region rose by 5.2% (previous year: 3.6%).

High growth rates were recorded in China, while double-digit growth was

achieved in Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand.

CONTINUITY IN THE MANAGEMENT

Following the departure of Jan Jenisch, the Board of Directors appointed

Paul Schuler as new CEO of the Group with effect from July 1, 2017. Paul

Schuler has worked for Sika for some 30 years, and has been a Member of

Group Management since 2007. His responsibilities have included the

build-up of the industry business as well as management of the North

America and EMEA regions.

19 KEY INVESTMENTS AND 74 NEW PATENTS

The Group's accelerated expansion into growth markets continued under

Paul Schuler's leadership in 2017, with a total of 19 key investments in

nine new factories, three additional national subsidiaries, and seven

acquisitions.

More than 900 employees working on basic research and the development of

new products at 20 regional technology centers are the key drivers of

our innovative strength. 74 new patent applications were filed in the

2017 business year, and numerous new products were launched in all

target markets.

DIVIDEND INCREASE OF 15.6% PROPOSED

For the Annual General Meeting of April 17, 2018, the Board of Directors

is proposing to shareholders a 15.6% increase in the gross dividend to

CHF 111.00 per bearer share (2016: CHF 96.00) and CHF 18.50 per

registered share (2016: CHF 16.00).

OUTLOOK FOR 2018: GROWTH OF MORE THAN 10% AND HIGHER PROFIT

The foundations for future growth were laid in 2017 with the opening of

nine new factories, the establishment of three further national

subsidiaries, and the acquisition of seven companies. The strong sales

organization, the well-filled product pipeline, and these 19 key

investments give the Group reason to look to the future with optimism.

For the 2018 business year Sika is anticipating an increase in sales of

more than 10%.

Raw material price increases and volatility remain a challenge in the

current year. Operating profit (EBIT) should continue to grow at a

disproportionately high rate in 2018. The unknown outcome of

Saint-Gobain's hostile takeover attempt remains an element of

uncertainty for the future.

KEY FIGURES 2017

as % of as % of

In CHF mn net sales 2016 net sales 2017 VAR. in %

Net sales 5,747.7 6,248.3 +8.7

Gross result 55.3 3,181.1 54.4 3,399.1 +6.9

Operating profit before

depreciation (EBITDA) 16.8 965.7 17.1 1,068.5 +10.6

Operating profit (EBIT) 13.8 795.3 14.3 896.3 +12.7

Net profit 9.9 566.6 10.4 649.0 +14.5

Net profit per share

(EPS) in CHF 221.81 253.52 +14.3

Operating free cash flow 10.2 586.5 8.0 496.8 -15.3

Balance sheet total 5,099.2 5,792.2 +13.6

Shareholders' equity 2,947.7 3,411.1

Equity ratio in % 57.8 58.9

Net working capital 18.4 1,056.9 19.0 1,186.7

ROCE in % 28.7 29.8

Number of employees 17,419 18,484 +6.1

The Annual Report and the presentation given at fiscal year conference

2017 can be downloaded from www.sika.com.

Link to Annual Report:

https://www.sika.com/en/group/Publications/annual_reports01.html

Link to presentation/webcast of the fiscal year conference on February

23, 2018, 10.00 a.m.: www.sika.com/presentations

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Net sales first quarter 2018 Tuesday, April 17, 2018

50th Annual General Meeting Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Dividend payment Monday, April 23, 2018

Half-year report 2018 Thursday, July 26, 2018

Result first nine months 2018 Thursday, October 25, 2018

Net sales 2018 Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Media conference/analyst Friday, February 22, 2019

presentation on full-year result 2018

CONTACT

Dominik Slappnig

Corporate Communications &

Investor Relations

+41 58 436 68 21

slappnig.dominik@ch.sika.com

SIKA CORPORATE PROFILE

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the

development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing,

damping, reinforcing and protecting in the building sector and motor

vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 100 countries around the

world and manufactures in over 200 factories. Its more than 18,000

employees generated annual sales of CHF 6.25 billion in 2017.

The media release can be downloaded from the following link:

Media Release: http://hugin.info/100359/R/2171140/836560.pdf

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf

of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely

responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information

contained therein.

Source: Sika AG via Globenewswire

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Sika AG

Zugerstrasse 50 Baar Switzerland

WKN: 858573;ISIN: CH0000587979;

http://www.sika.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 22, 2018 23:00 ET (04:00 GMT)