DGAP-Adhoc: Dürr AG suspends its guidance for the current financial year; the previous targets for 2020 are likely out of reach due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Dürr AG suspends its guidance for the current financial year; the previous targets for 2020 are likely out of reach due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Bietigheim-Bissingen, March 30, 2020 - The Dürr Group will probably not be able to achieve the results previously forecasted for the financial year 2020 due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Owing to the immense uncertainty with regard to the duration and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time the Board of Management cannot provide a reliable sales and earnings forecast for the current year. For this reason, its guidance for 2020 has been suspended.
 
The Dürr Group plans to initiate extensive measures to reduce its cost basis and to secure its liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents currently comprise more than € 800 million. Moreover, the credit line amounting to € 500 million under the syndicated loan is not being utilized at this time. The Group's equity capital exceeds € 1.0 billion.

Contact:
Dürr AG
Günter Dielmann / Mathias Christen
Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
Phone +49 7142 78-1785 / -1381
Fax +49 7142 78-1716
E-Mail [email protected]

The Dürr Group is one of the world's leading mechanical and plant engineering firms with extensive expertise in automation and digitalization/Industry 4.0. Its products, systems and services enable highly efficient manufacturing processes in different industries. The Dürr Group supplies sectors like the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical and woodworking industries. It generated sales of € 3.92 billion in 2019. The company has around 16,500 employees and 112 business locations in 34 countries. The Group operates in the market with the brands Dürr, Schenck and HOMAG and with five divisions:
*    Paint and Final Assembly Systems: paint shops as well as final assembly, testing and filling technology for the automotive industry
*    Application Technology: robot technologies for the automated application of paint, sealants and adhesives
*    Clean Technology Systems: air pollution control, noise abatement systems and coating systems for battery electrodes
*    Measuring and Process Systems: balancing equipment and diagnostic technology
*    Woodworking Machinery and Systems: machinery and equipment for the woodworking industry


This publication has been prepared independently by Dürr AG/Dürr group ("Dürr"). It may contain statements which address such key issues as strategy, future financial results, events, competitive positions and product developments. As is the case for any business activity conducted in a global environment, such forward-looking statements are always subject to uncertainty. They are exposed to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to those described in Dürr's disclosures, in particular in the chapter entitled "Risks" in Dürr's annual report. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties and other factors materialize, or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performances or achievements of Dürr may vary materially from those described in the relevant forward-looking statements.  These statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "want," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "will," "project" or words of similar meaning. Dürr neither intends, nor assumes any obligation, to update or revise its forward-looking statements regularly in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies.

Our financial reports, presentations, press releases and ad-hoc releases may include alternative financial metrics. These metrics are not defined in the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) rules. Dürr's net assets, financial position and results of operations should not be assessed solely on the basis of these alternative financial metrics. Under no circumstances do they replace the performance indicators presented in the consolidated financial statements and calculated in accordance with the IFRS rules. The calculation of alternative financial metrics may vary from company to company despite the use of the same or similar terminology. Further information regarding the alternative financial metrics used at Dürr can be found in our financial glossary on the Dürr website (https://www.durr-group.com/en/investor-relations/service-awards/glossary/).