Nabaltec_E_GB2016

T R O P E R T N E M E G A N A M D E T A D I L O S N O C FINANCIAL REPORT 41 Return on equity, consisting of the ratio of Group profit to equity, amounted to 9.2% in the report- ing year, down from 12.7% in the year before. This decrease is attributable to the earnings trend. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is the ratio of EBIT to capital employed (non-current assets + working capital). In the reporting period, this figure amounted to 8.5%, down from 10.4% in the prior year. 2.4.2 NON-FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Employees At the end of 2016, Nabaltec Group had a total of 460 employees (31 December 2015: 444). Of this number, 455 were employed in Germany (31 December 2015: 442). This figure also includes 53 apprentices (31 December 2015: 48). Nabaltec sets a high value on good training. In 2016 as well, the rate of apprentices repre- sented a remarkably large share of the workforce, 11.5%. This rate again exceeded the industry average significantly in 2016. Nabaltec’s apprentices are regularly among the best of their class. Training positions are currently available for male and female industrial clerks, IT clerks, chemical laboratory technicians, chemists, electrical mechanics specialists and industrial me- chanics specialists, as well as for chemicals production workers. 2016 training ratio of 11.5% well above industry average Nabaltec AG is regularly among the 100 best employers among German mid-sized compa- nies, according to the “TOP JOB” nationwide multi-sector survey. Distinctions like these, which Nabaltec received for the fourth time in 2015, indicate how seriously the company takes its responsibility towards its employees. A central concern for Nabaltec is to offer its employees prospects and opportunities for advancement within the company in order to promote identi- fication with the company by these means as well, and encourage hard work and commitment. Nabaltec is regularly among the 100 best employers among German mid-sized companies Customer Relations Over the last few years, Nabaltec has been able to once again strengthen and develop its mar- ket standing. Important arguments in collaboration with customers include Nabaltec’s proven reliability as a supplier and its consistent quality. Nabaltec has demonstrated that it is a very reliable partner for long-term relationships built on trust. These attributes pose an important competitive advantage in the current market environment. Nabaltec also distinguishes itself as a competent and capable supplier through its consistent development of consulting expertise by investing personnel and resources in R&D. Nabaltec participates in various European associations in order to ensure full access to key mar- kets and technologies. In addition to the two professional associations within Cefic, the Euro- pean Chemical Industry Council, Pinfa, (the Phosphorus, Inorganic & Nitrogen Flame Retardants Association) and EPSA (European Producers of Specialty Alumina), Nabaltec is also involved in Forschungsgesellschaft Kunststoffe e.V., a plastics research association. In the US, Nabaltec participates in Pinfa North America and the American Ceramics Society. Nabaltec’s close rela- tionship with Forschungsgemeinschaft Feuerfest, a refractory materials research association, and its associated membership in Verband der Deutschen Feuerfest-Industrie e.V., the German Refractory Industry Association, ensures intensive connections with this key market. Through these activities, Nabaltec is able to identify major trends in its primary markets, “ceramics” and “flame retardants,” at a very early stage and on a global scale, allowing Nabaltec to respond early on. Annual Report 2016 | Nabaltec AG ||||

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