Nabaltec AG continues sound performance in the first half of 2012

- turnaround from second half of 2011 confirmed;

- at EUR 68.3 million revenues almost as high as year before;

- company confident about further course of year.

Schwandorf, 21 August 2012 - Nabaltec AG maintained its sound revenue and earnings performance in the second quarter of 2012. The turnaround already achieved in the first quarter of 2012 relative to the second half of 2011, when growth was considerably weaker, was confirmed by the business results from April to June. According to Johannes Heckmann, member of the Board of Nabaltec AG: 'The course of business in the second quarter was very satisfactory, building seamlessly on the solid first quarter. What we achieved in the first half is thus in keeping with our estimates and targets.'

Consolidated revenues in the second quarter of 2012 amounted to EUR 34.2 million, nearly staying at the high level reached in the same quarter of last year (EUR 34.8 million or -1.7%). At the same time, the substantial revenues from the previous quarter of EUR 34.1 million were matched. Aggregate revenues for the first 6 months of EUR 68.3 million represent a slight decline from the record figure of the first half of 2011, when EUR 70.1 million was earned. A sharp gain of 16.0% was attained over the second half of 2011.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at the consolidated level were EUR 6.7 million in the first half of 2012 after EUR 8.4 million in the same period of last year. Compared to the first quarter, EBIT increased sharply by 39.3% in the second quarter of 2012. 'We will see stronger profit growth in the second half than in the previous year. Our goal remains to repeat 2011 earnings assuming an EBIT margin (in relation to total performance) of 9.4%,' according to Gerhard Witzany, member of the Board of Nabaltec AG.

Revenues in the business division 'Functional Fillers' increased from EUR 23.4 to 23.8 million or 1.7% over the second quarter of 2011. Compared to the first quarter, the business division managed to increase by 2.6%. This growth was borne above all by the sound performance of fine precipitated hydroxides, which set a new revenue record in the first half. At EUR 10.3 million in the reporting period, the business division 'Technical Ceramics' was 9.6% down from the same quarter of last year and 5.5% down from the first quarter of 2012.

Gerhard Witzany: 'We remain confident for the further course of 2012, though the persistent slowdown of the global economy and the increasing volatilities in our sales markets are impeding forecasts.' Under the given circumstances, Nabaltec anticipates revenue growth in the low single digits for 2012 as a whole.

About Nabaltec AG:
Nabaltec AG, with registered office in Schwandorf, a chemicals business which has received multiple awards for innovativeness, manufactures, develops and distributes highly specialized products based on aluminum hydroxide ('ATH') and aluminum oxide, as well as other raw materials, on an industrial scale through its 'Functional Fillers' and 'Technical Ceramics' divisions. The company's product range includes halogen-free flame retardant fillers and eco-friendly additives for the plastics industry. Flame retardant fillers are used e.g. in cables in tunnels, airports, high-rise buildings and electronic devices, while additives replace stabilizers containing heavy metals in PVC processing. Nabaltec also produces base materials for use in technical ceramics, the refractory industry and catalysis. Unlike halogenated flame retardant fillers, the products manufactured by the company's 'Functional Fillers' division contain no hazardous substances and do not require separate disposal. Rather, the company's flame retardant fillers actually decrease the development of fumes hazardous to human health and the environment in the event of fire. Nabaltec maintains production sites in Germany and the US and plans to continue to consolidate its market position by expanding capacity, further optimizing processes and quality and making strategic extensions to its product range. On the strength of its specialty products, the company strives to attain the market leadership in each segment.
 
 
Contact:
Heidi Wiendl 

Nabaltec AG 

Phone: +49 9431 53-202 

Fax: +49 9431 53-260 

E-mail: InvestorRelations@nabaltec.de

Frank Ostermair

Better Orange IR & HV AG

Phone: +49 89 8896906-14

Fax: +49 89 8896906-66

E-mail: frank.ostermair@better-orange.de