Form 6-K
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report
of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant
to Rule 13 a - 16 or 15 d - 16 of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission file number 0 - 017444
Akzo Nobel
N.V.
(Translation
of registrants name into English)
76, Velperweg,
6824 BM Arnhem, the Netherlands
(Address of
principal executive offices)
The following
exhibit
is filed with this report
Akzo Nobel Report
for the third quarter of 2005
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
Akzo Nobel N.V.
Name : | R.J. Frohn | Name : | J.J.M. Derckx |
Title : | Chief Financial Officer | Title : | Director Corporate Control |
Dated : October 19, 2005
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Key figures
|
|||||||||||||
3rd
quarter
|
Millions of euros (EUR) |
January-September
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||
3,299
|
3,112
|
6
|
Present operations |
9,694
|
9,237
|
5
|
|||||||
3,299
|
3,222
|
2
|
Total revenues |
9,694
|
9,754
|
(1
|
) | ||||||
Operating income (EBIT) | |||||||||||||
Present operations and excluding | |||||||||||||
315
|
339
|
(7
|
) | one-off items |
901
|
947
|
(5
|
) | |||||
9.5
|
10.9
|
EBIT margin, in % |
9.3
|
10.3
|
|||||||||
280
|
697
|
(60
|
) | Total operating income |
1,040
|
1,244
|
(16
|
) | |||||
8.5
|
21.6
|
EBIT margin, in % |
10.7
|
12.8
|
|||||||||
175
|
510
|
(66
|
) | Net income |
644
|
792
|
(19
|
) | |||||
0.61
|
1.78
|
per share, in EUR |
2.25
|
2.77
|
|||||||||
Number of employees |
61,420
|
61,450
|
1
|
||||||||||
|
Topline growing operational results 7% lower
| Growth in all units in particular in emerging markets |
| Organon revenues growth; R&D expenses up; pharmaceutical ingredients continue to suffer |
| Intervet excellent quarter |
| Coatings signs of recovery in industrial activities; decorative coatings under pressure in mature markets |
| Chemicals stable performance despite higher energy and raw material prices |
| Negative one-off items of EUR 35 million (2004: EUR 353 million positive; mainly from divestments) |
| Renewed focus on cost reduction in mature markets |
| Strong financial position |
| Interim dividend unchanged EUR 0.30 |
| Outlook unchanged |
Present operations exclude the Chemicals businesses divested in 2004. One-off items are special benefits (which include the benefit from the Risperdal® deal in the first quarter of 2005), restructuring and impairment charges, charges related to major legal, antitrust, and environmental cases, results on divestments, and IAS 39 fair value adjustments.
1 At December 31.
1
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
The final results for 2005 will be published on February 7, 2006.
Note
The data in this report are unaudited.
This interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of the recognition and measurement requirements of IFRS as in September 2005. The 2004 comparative figures have been restated accordingly. For the impact of IFRS and certain other changes in the Companys reporting see pages 22 and 23 of this report.
Revenues consist of sales of goods and services, and royalty income.
Autonomous growth is defined as the change in revenues attributable to changed volumes and selling prices. It excludes currency, acquisition, and divestment effects.
Operational performance is defined as (the change in) operating income excluding effects from currency translation, divestments, and changes in pension charges, and one-off items.
One-off items are special benefits, restructuring and impairment charges, charges related to major legal, antitrust, and environmental cases, results on divestments, and IAS 39 fair value adjustments. Operating income excluding one-off items is one of the key figures management uses to assess the Companys performance, as this figure better reflects the underlying trends in the results of the activities.
EBIT margin, formerly called return on sales, is operating income (EBIT) as percentage of revenues.
2
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
|
|||||||||||||
C O N D E N S E D C O N S O L I D A T E D S T A T E M E N T O F I N C O M E | |||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
3rd quarter | Millions of euros |
January-September
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
3,299 | 3,222 | 2 | Revenues | 9,694 | 9,754 | (1 | ) | ||||||
(2,984 | ) | (2,878 | ) | Operating costs | (8,793 | ) | (8,767 | ) | |||||
One-off items: | |||||||||||||
4 | 21 | - special benefits | 177 | 74 | |||||||||
4 | - IAS 39 fair value adjustments | 26 | |||||||||||
22 | 458 | - results on divestments | 35 | 462 | |||||||||
(2 | ) | (68 | ) | - restructuring and impairment charges | (17 | ) | (137 | ) | |||||
- charges related to major legal, antitrust, | |||||||||||||
(63 | ) | (58 | ) | and environmental cases | (82 | ) | (142 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
280 | 697 | (60 | ) | Operating income (EBIT) | 1,040 | 1,244 | (16 | ) | |||||
(40 | ) | (33 | ) | Financing charges | (111 | ) | (111 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
240 | 664 | Operating income less financing charges | 929 | 1,133 | |||||||||
(61 | ) | (144 | ) | Taxes | (268 | ) | (314 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Earnings of consolidated companies, after | |||||||||||||
179 | 520 | (66 | ) | taxes | 661 | 819 | (19 | ) | |||||
5 | (1 | ) | Earnings from nonconsolidated companies | 9 | 1 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
184 | 519 | Earnings before minority interest | 670 | 820 | |||||||||
(9 | ) | (9 | ) | Minority interest | (26 | ) | (28 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
175 | 510 | (66 | ) | Net income | 644 | 792 | (19 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
8.5 | 21.6 | EBIT margin, in % | 10.7 | 12.8 | |||||||||
7.0 | 21.1 | Interest coverage | 9.4 | 11.2 | |||||||||
Net income per share, in EUR | |||||||||||||
0.61 | 1.78 | - basic | 2.25 | 2.77 | |||||||||
0.61 | 1.78 | - diluted | 2.24 | 2.76 | |||||||||
426 | 838 | (49 | ) | EBITDA | 1,466 | 1,684 | (13 | ) | |||||
109 | 138 | Capital expenditures | 342 | 379 | |||||||||
135 | 133 | Depreciation | 398 | 421 | |||||||||
|
3
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Segment data
|
|||||||||||||
3rd
quarter
|
Millions of euros (EUR) |
January-September
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||
590 | 579 | 2 | Organon | 1,769 | 1,752 | 1 | |||||||
277 | 252 | 10 | Intervet | 816 | 765 | 7 | |||||||
1,457 | 1,385 | 5 | Coatings | 4,200 | 4,025 | 4 | |||||||
966 | 927 | 4 | Chemicals, present operations | 2,886 | 2,793 | 3 | |||||||
9 | (31 | ) | Intercompany revenues/other | 23 | (98 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
3,299 | 3,112 | 6 | Akzo Nobel, present operations | 9,694 | 9,237 | 5 | |||||||
114 | Chemicals, divested activities | 547 | |||||||||||
(4 | ) | Intercompany revenues | (30 | ) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
3,299 | 3,222 | 2 | Total | 9,694 | 9,754 | (1 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Operating income (EBIT) present | |||||||||||||
operations excluding one-off items | |||||||||||||
68 | 82 | (17 | ) | Organon | 227 | 245 | (7 | ) | |||||
56 | 45 | 24 | Intervet | 163 | 128 | 27 | |||||||
142 | 151 | (6 | ) | Coatings | 349 | 401 | (13 | ) | |||||
83 | 84 | (1 | ) | Chemicals, present operations | 252 | 253 | | ||||||
(34 | ) | (23 | ) | Other | (90 | ) | (80 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
315 | 339 | (7 | ) | Total | 901 | 947 | (5 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
9.5 | 10.9 | EBIT margin, in % | 9.3 | 10.3 | |||||||||
Operating income (EBIT) | |||||||||||||
8 | 41 | (80 | ) | Organon | 331 | 188 | 76 | ||||||
77 | 45 | 71 | Intervet | 190 | 128 | 48 | |||||||
140 | 121 | 16 | Coatings | 342 | 354 | (3 | ) | ||||||
85 | 48 | 77 | Chemicals, present operations | 259 | 202 | 28 | |||||||
4 | IAS 39 fair value adjustments | 26 | |||||||||||
(34 | ) | (24 | ) | Other | (108 | ) | (129 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
280 | 231 | 21 | Akzo Nobel, present operations | 1,040 | 743 | 40 | |||||||
466 | Chemicals, divested activities | 501 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
280 | 697 | (60 | ) | Total | 1,040 | 1,244 | (16 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
8.5 | 21.6 | EBIT margin, in % | 10.7 | 12.8 | |||||||||
|
Present operations exclude the Chemicals businesses divested in 2004. One-off items are special benefits (which include the benefit from the Risperdal® deal in the first quarter of 2005), restructuring and impairment charges, charges related to major legal, antitrust, and environmental cases, results on divestments, and IAS 39 fair value adjustments.
4
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Revenues autonomous growth of 5%
Third-quarter revenues from the present operations amounted to EUR 3.3 billion, up 6% on last year. This was mainly attributable to autonomous growth for all units. In particular, Intervet did well delivering 9% growth. Coatings and Chemicals also realized healthy autonomous growth, 4% and 3%, respectively. Currency translation had a slight positive effect in the quarter.
Total revenues of Akzo Nobel developed as follows:
|
|||||||||||
In
%
|
Total
|
Volume
|
Price
|
Currency
translation |
Acquisitions/
divestments |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Organon
|
2
|
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||
Intervet
|
10
|
7
|
2
|
2
|
(1
|
) | |||||
Coatings
|
5
|
|
4
|
1
|
|
||||||
Chemicals,
present operations
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
|
||||||
Akzo
Nobel
|
2
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
(4)
|
1 | |||||
|
1 | Includes the effect of the Chemicals businesses divested in 2004. |
Operational earnings 7% lower
Excluding one-off items and divestments, operating income decreased 7% from EUR 339 million to EUR 315 million, with an EBIT margin of 9.5% (2004: 10.9%). The Company continues to grow especially in emerging markets, such as China and Eastern Europe. Particularly in Coatings, but also at several other activities, earnings are under pressure in the mature markets. In order to address these situations, additional cost saving measures are to be expected.
Organon profited from higher sales, butas announced earlierincurred significantly higher R&D expenses. In addition, results of the pharmaceutical ingredient activities were under continued pressure from overcapacity in the industry. Intervet achieved substantial earnings gains from volume growth and efficiency improvements. Both Coatings and Chemicals felt the impact from higher raw material and energy prices and weak economic conditions in mature markets. Coatings earnings were somewhat down, while Chemicals earnings remained virtually unchanged. The decline in earnings reported under Other was mainly due to lower results in the captive insurance companies, due to higher damages in 2005.
5
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
2004 third-quarter earnings included a net one-off gain of EUR 353 million, predominantly consisting of the profit on the divestment of Catalysts and Phosphorus Chemicals and the settlement of certain Remeron®; court cases. 2005 earnings included a net one-off charge of EUR 35 million, which included the charge for the settlement of the remaining Remeron® court cases and the profit on the divestment of certain feed additives activities of Intervet.
In total, third-quarter operating income decreased from EUR 697 million to EUR 280 million.
The table below gives an analysis of the change in third quarter operating income compared to 2004.
|
|||||||||||||||||
Change from 3rd quarter of 2004 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
Millions
of euros
|
EBIT for 3rd quarter of 2005 |
Total
change |
Operational performance | One-off items1 |
Divestments
|
Currency
translation
|
Lower pension charges |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Organon
|
8 | (33 | ) | (17 | ) | (19 | ) |
1
|
2 | ||||||||
Intervet
|
77 | 32 | 8 | 21 |
2
|
1 | |||||||||||
Coatings
|
140 | 19 | (14 | ) | 28 |
2
|
3 | ||||||||||
Chemicals,
present
|
85
|
37
|
(5
|
) |
38
|
1
|
3
|
||||||||||
Chemicals,
divested
|
(466
|
) |
(461
|
) |
(5
|
) | |||||||||||
IAS
39 adjustments
|
4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Other2
|
(34 | ) | (10 | ) | (14 | ) | 1 |
|
3 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Akzo
Nobel
|
280 | (417 | ) | (42 | ) | (388 | ) | (5 | ) |
6
|
12 | ||||||
|
1 | One-off items are special benefits, restructuring and impairment charges, charges related to major legal, antitrust, and environmental cases, results on divestments, and IAS 39 fair value adjustments. |
2 | Other mainly comprises pension costs related to former employees of divested operations as well as the results of the (intermediate) holding companies, the captive insurance companies, Nobilon, and Nobilas. |
6
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
IAS 39 fair value adjustments concern changes in the fair value of certain forward exchange contracts, petroleum swaps, and gas futures, for which under the IFRS rules no hedge accounting is allowed. As a consequence, the changes in fair value of these contracts have to be recognized directly in income.
The tax charge in the third quarter of 2005 was affected by the change in geographical mix of results and was incidentally favored by tax effects on the elimination of intercompany profits1.
Earnings from nonconsolidated companies on balance were a gain of EUR 5 million against a loss of EUR 1 million in 2004. Operational performance of the nonconsolidated companies was on balance virtually unchanged, as higher results of Flexsys offset the earnings decline at Methanor. 2005 and 2004 earnings include net one-off losses of EUR 2 million and EUR 8 million, respectively, mainly related to Flexsys.
Net income lower major influence from one-off items
Net income in the third quarter was EUR 175 million, compared with EUR 510 million last year. Net income per share was EUR 0.61 (2004: EUR 1.78). This decline is mainly due to the net one-off gain in 2004 (some EUR 300 million after taxes; mainly stemming from the divestments at Chemicals) compared with a net one-off charge in 2005 (some EUR 25 million after taxes) predominantly for the Remeron® settlement). Excluding one-off items, net income was slightly down on last year.
For the first nine months of 2005, net income decreased 19% to EUR 644 million.
1 | In accordance with IFRS the elimination of intercompany profits in inventories is based on the tax rate of the country of the company receiving the goods. Thus intercompany sales are not fully eliminated in the statement of income. As a consequence, the balance of intercompany shipments of goods and the subsequent sale thereof to third parties could affect the tax charge positively or negatively in any one accounting period, depending on the actual developments in that period. |
7
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Workforce down 680 due to restructurings
At September 30, 2005, the Company had 61,420 employees, virtually unchanged from year-end 2004. At September 30, 2004, Akzo Nobels workforce was 62,990. In the first nine months of 2005, cost saving measures at Coatings and Chemicals caused a decrease of 680. Growth of certain businesses, seasonal influences, and acquisitions and divestments on balance resulted in a workforce expansion of 650. Developments were as follows:
|
||||||||
September
30,
2005
|
|
Restructurings
|
|
Other
changes
|
|
December
31,
2004
|
||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Organon
|
14,180
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
14,090
|
|
Intervet
|
5,270
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,270
|
|
Coatings
|
29,070
|
|
(390
|
)
|
600
|
|
28,860
|
|
Chemicals
|
11,560
|
|
(260
|
)
|
(70
|
)
|
11,890
|
|
Other
|
1,340
|
|
(30
|
)
|
30
|
|
1,340
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Akzo
Nobel
|
61,420
|
(680
|
)
|
650
|
61,450 | |||
|
New pension scheme in the Netherlands
Akzo Nobel reached an agreement with the unions to implement a defined contribution pension scheme in the Netherlands. Under this new scheme as of July 1, 2005, the Company will pay a fixed annual premium, which is 20% of the pension base salary. As a consequence, fluctuations in pension liabilities or assets will no longer have an influence on the Companys balance sheet and results.
In order to give a good start to the new setup, Akzo Nobel has made a contribution of approximately EUR 150 million and provided a subordinated loan of EUR 100 million. In addition, the Company prefinanced employee premiums for an amount of EUR 50 million. The various (regulatory) approval processes for this new pension scheme are progressing well but have not yet been fully completed. The accounting consequences of the transition will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2005.
8
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Akzo Nobel listed in Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
Akzo Nobel has been selected as a member of the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DSJI), World and Stoxx. Launched in 1999, the DJSI are the first global indexes tracking the financial performances of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.
The Company is proud of this achievement. It has initiated a process to create an organization geared to meeting the demands of the future. Akzo Nobel is convinced that doing business in a sustainable manner is key to its economic success now and in the future. Social responsibility is an integral part of Akzo Nobels growth strategy and a cornerstone of its decision-making process.
Interim dividend unchanged EUR 0.30
Akzo Nobel will declare an interim dividend for 2005 of EUR 0.30 per common share, unchanged from last year. Starting October 20, 2005, Akzo Nobel shares will trade ex-dividend. The interim dividend will be made payable on October 27, 2005.
Outlook unchanged
We confirm that we expect to achieve our earlier expressed aspiration of a full-year net income within the range of 2004, which was approximately EUR 800 million on an IFRS basis. This outlook excludes restructuring and impairment charges, charges related to major legal, antitrust and environmental cases, results on divestments, the impact of the new pension scheme in the Netherlands, and the intended deal with Barr to settle their infringement of Organons Mircette® patent.
9
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Organon revenues growth; R&D expenses up; pharmaceutical ingredients continue to suffer
|
|||||||||||||
3rd
quarter
|
Millions of euros | January-September |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||||||||
590 |
579
|
2
|
Revenues
|
1,769
|
1,752
|
1
|
|
||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
8 |
41
|
(80
|
)
|
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
331
|
188
|
76
|
|
|||||
1.4 |
7.1
|
EBIT
margin, in %
|
18.7
|
10.7
|
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
68 |
82
|
(17
|
)
|
EBIT
excluding one-off items
|
227
|
245
|
(7
|
)
|
|||||
EBIT margin excluding one-off |
|
||||||||||||
11.5 | 14.2 | items, in % | 12.8 | 14.0 |
|
||||||||
| |||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
31.0 | 32.1 | S&D expenses as % of revenues | 31.9 | 33.3 |
|
||||||||
18.3 | 16.9 | R&D expenses as % of revenues | 17.0 | 16.3 |
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
42 | 72 |
(42
|
)
|
EBITDA | 426 | 278 |
53
|
|
|||||
|
|||||||||||||
24 | 22 | Capital expenditures | 58 | 74 |
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Invested capital | 1,690 | 1,628 | 1 |
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Number of employees | 14,180 | 14,090 | 1 |
|
|||||||||
|
1 | At December 31. |
| Revenues autonomous growth 1% |
| NuvaRing® sales steadily increasing |
| Infertility products strong growth on Q-3 2004 |
| R&D expenses ramping up investing in the pipeline |
| Pharmaceutical ingredients continue to suffer; cost-saving measures being carried out |
| Settlement of remaining Remeron® court cases USD 75 million |
| Intended settlement with Barr on their infringement of Organons Mircette® patent Organon to receive USD 142 million |
10
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Organon revenues of EUR 590 million showed 2% growth in the third quarter. Autonomous growth was 1%, while currency translation added 1%. In particular, Puregon®/Follistim® and NuvaRing® achieved healthy growth. The main products developed as follows:
|
|||||||
Millions
of euros
|
Sales
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Autonomous growth, % | |||||||
3rd
quarter 2005 |
|
||||||
on Q-3 2004 | on Q-2 2005 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Contraceptives
|
143 |
9
|
1 | ||||
of which NuvaRing®
|
32 | 43 | 5 | ||||
Puregon®/Follistim®
|
88 | 28 | (6 | ) | |||
Remeron®
outside U.S.
|
64 | (18 | ) | (8 | ) | ||
Livial®
|
39 | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
Pharmaceutical
ingredients
|
51 | (9 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
|
Excluding one-off items, Organon's third-quarter EBIT amounted to EUR 68 million (2004: EUR 82 million). Operational performance decreased as contributions from higher sales were more than offset by the substantial increase in R&D expenses, as several products in the pipeline are in Phase III. In the third quarter, R&D expenses were 18.3% of revenues. Performance was also affected by the weak business climate for pharmaceutical ingredients. To address this situation, cost-saving measures are being carried out.
2005 third-quarter EBIT was affected by a net one-off charge of EUR 60 million, mainly concerning the settlement of the remaining Remeron® court cases. In 2004, the balance of one-off items was a charge of EUR 41 million. This consisted of other Remeron® settlements partially offset by certain special benefits. All in all, operating income decreased from EUR 41 million to EUR 8 million.
In August 2005, Organon launched its Follistim® follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in Japanthe countrys first recombinant FSH for use in fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI.
Also in August 2005, the remaining claims in an antitrust litigation involving its Remeron® anti-depressant in the United States were settled for EUR 62 million (USD 75 million). Although Akzo Nobel continues to believe that its actions in obtaining and enforcing its intellectual property rights were appropriate, the Company took the opportunity to resolve the matter, given the time, costs and risks involved in defending this action.
In September 2005, Organon entered into a nonbinding letter of intent with Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to settle the pending patent litigation concerning a generic version of Organons Mircette® oral contraceptive. Barr would pay Organon USD 142 million to settle the patent litigation and to acquire all rights relating to Mircette, including the U.S. marketing approval. The patent litigation is currently before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Barr and Organon filed the Letter of Intent with the Federal Trade Commission, pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Pending this approval procedure, no accounting entries were made yet for this settlement.
11
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Intervet excellent quarter
|
|||||||||||||
3rd
quarter
|
Millions of euros |
January-September
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
277
|
252
|
|
10
|
Revenues
|
816
|
765
|
7
|
||||||
77
|
45
|
71
|
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
190
|
128
|
48
|
|||||||
27.8
|
17.9
|
EBIT
margin, in %
|
23.3
|
16.7
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
56
|
45
|
24
|
EBIT
excluding one-off items
|
163
|
128
|
27
|
|||||||
20.2
|
17.9
|
EBIT margin excluding one-off items, in % | 20.0 | 16.7 | |||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
24.2
|
24.6
|
S&D expenses as % of revenues | 23.9 | 24.6 | |||||||||
9.7
|
11.1
|
R&D expenses as % of revenues | 10.3 | 11.5 | |||||||||
91
|
56
|
63
|
EBITDA | 231 | 162 | 43 | |||||||
13
|
14
|
Capital expenditures | 38 | 37 | |||||||||
Invested capital | 898 | 798 | 1 | ||||||||||
Number of employees | 5,270 | 5,270 | 1 | ||||||||||
|
1 | At December 31. |
| Revenues 9% autonomous growth in all regions and in virtually all franchises |
| EBIT margin of 20.2% |
| Benefiting from efficiency improvement in manufacturing |
| Feed additives divestment completed |
| Acquisition AgVax enhancing market position in New Zealand |
12
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Third-quarter revenues of Intervet (animal healthcare products) grew 10% to EUR 277 million. Autonomous growth was 9%, while currency translations had a positive effect of 2%. The divestment of certain food additives and diagnostics activities had a negative impact of 1%. Intervet further expanded its strong market position in Europe, due to improved supplies and to strong growth of Cobactan® (anti-bacterial). Sales in North America grew substantially driven by new product introductions in the companion animal market, which includes Vetsulin® (first insulin to treat diabetes in dogs) and Continuum® (combination vaccine with long-lasting immunity), and in the cattle sector, where the recently introduced cattle bio line Vista® received a very positive response. Sales in Latin America were boosted by substantial growth in Brazil and Chile (mainly fish vaccines). Although avian influenza continues to cause economical damage, business in the Asian region is improving.
Excluding one-off items, Intervets operating income grew EUR 11 million, with the EBIT margin improving to 20.2% (2004: 17.9%). This performance upswing was attributable to the strong sales growth and improved manufacturing efficiency.
In the third quarter of 2005 Intervet realized a pretax gain of EUR 21 million on the divestment of part of the feed additives activities. In total, Intervets operating income jumped from EUR 45 million to EUR 77 million.
Intervet will increase its market presence in New Zealand with the acquisition of AgVax Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of AgResearch. This animal health company focuses on the identification, development, and commercialization of vaccines that increase the productivity of the agricultural sector.
In September 2005, Intervet signed a contract with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture which involves Intervet setting up the countrys first vaccine bank of Porcilis Pesti®, Intervets marker vaccine against classical swine fever. The agreement covers a reserve of 500,000 doses of the vaccine for emergency vaccination in the event of an outbreak of the disease in the Netherlands.
Intervet has vaccines in its portfolio against avian influenzafor H5, H7, and H9 strainswhich are being sold in various countries.
Nobilon
The development of human influenza vaccines by Nobilon, in cooperation with Organon and Intervet, is progressing according to schedule.
On short-term, Nobilon will upscale its influenza antigen production to batches of 2,000 liters.
13
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Coatings signs of recovery in industrial activities; decorative coatings under pressure in mature markets
|
|||||||||||||
3rd
quarter
|
Millions of euros |
January-September
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||
555 | 543 | Decorative Coatings | 1,604 | 1,523 | |||||||||
455 | 418 | Industrial activities | 1,274 | 1,200 | |||||||||
244 | 218 | Marine & Protective Coatings | 722 | 664 | |||||||||
224 | 225 | Car Refinishes | 664 | 678 | |||||||||
(21 | ) | (19 | ) | Intragroup revenues/other | (64 | ) | (40 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
1,457 | 1,385 | 5 | Total | 4,200 | 4,025 | 4 | |||||||
140 | 121 | 16 | Operating income (EBIT) | 342 | 354 | (3 | ) | ||||||
9.6 | 8.7 | EBIT margin, in % | 8.1 | 8.8 | |||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
142 | 151 | (6 | ) | EBIT excluding one-off items | 349 | 401 | (13 | ) | |||||
EBIT margin excluding one-off | |||||||||||||
9.7 | 10.9 | items, in % | 8.3 | 10.0 | |||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
174 | 151 | 15 | EBITDA | 442 | 447 | (1 | ) | ||||||
24 | 33 | Capital expenditures | 70 | 83 | |||||||||
Invested capital | 2,341 | 2,067 | 1 | ||||||||||
Number of employees | 29,070 | 28,860 | 1 | ||||||||||
|
1 | At December 31. |
| Autonomous growth 4% prices up 4%; volumes maintained |
| Pressure from increased raw material prices |
| Decorative Coatings slow market conditions in Europe; showing vigor in emerging markets |
| Industrial activities regaining strength |
| Car Refinishes improving again |
| Acquisition Toide Paint Manufacturing to further strengthen China base |
| Powder Coatings investment in Russia started |
Note: Nobilas, accident management services, has been transferred from Coatings to Other. The 2004 figures have been adjusted accordingly.
14
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
In the third quarter, revenues of the Coatings activities grew 5% to EUR 1.5 billion. At 4% higher selling prices, volumes could be maintained. Currency translation had a positive effect of 1%.
Excluding one-off items, operating income decreased 6% to EUR 142 million, with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (2004: 10.9%). Although selling price increases of 4% were implemented across the board, all business units continued to feel the effect of increased raw material prices. Business in the emerging markets continued to grow. In China, Marine & Protective, Powder, and Wood Coatings are doing well. However, in the mature markets volumes and margins are under pressure. To address this situation, additional cost saving measures are to be expected.
Decorative Coatings activities in Western Europe continued to feel the pressure from weak economic circumstances. In emerging markets and in Turkey, the business is doing better. The industrial activities achieved enhanced performance, notably the wood, plastics, and powder coatings activities. Coil coatings activities remain under pressure, especially in Europe. Marine Coatings showed strong developments both in the shipbuilding and maintenance markets. Car Refinishes, currently implementing a major worldwide restructuring, is getting back on track.
Included in 2005 earnings are one-off charges of EUR 2 million (2004: EUR 30 million). All in all, operating income rose 16% to EUR 140 million.
Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 24 million (75% of depreciation). Expenditures are especially directed toward participation in the booming growth in Asia and Eastern Europe. Akzo Nobel will invest EUR 9 million in a new powder coatings manufacturing facility in Russia. The plant will supply markets throughout Russia, as well as other East European countries including the Ukraine and Belarus. The new factory is expected to begin production during the second quarter of 2006.
In September, the Company announced its intention to acquire the coatings activities of Guangzhou Toide Paint Manufacturing Co. Ranked as one of the biggest private Chinese manufacturers of emulsion paint, Toide Paint is also active in the wood varnishes sector. It has a strong market position in southern China, with over 200 outlets and distributors, and also has a solid presence around major centers such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Decorative Coatings will boost its activities in Germany with the acquisition of the ICI Groups wood finishes business Zweihorn GmbH, which is based in Hilden.
Marine & Protective Coatings introduced next generation fireproofing material designed to give unprecedented protection to high-rise structures and public buildings. Based on technology created for NASA, Interchar® offers the construction industry significant benefits in terms of keeping buildingsand their occupantssafer. Marine & Protective Coatings also announced the successful completion of the first Intersleek® foul release coating application at shipbuilding in Korea.
15
Chemicals stable performance despite higher energy and raw material prices
|
|||||||||||||
3rd
quarter
|
Millions of euros |
January-September
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
2005
|
2004
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||
228 | 211 | Pulp & Paper Chemicals | 648 | 633 | |||||||||
175 | 165 | Functional Chemicals | 529 | 506 | |||||||||
191 | 177 | Base Chemicals | 587 | 540 | |||||||||
126 | 135 | Surfactants | 386 | 412 | |||||||||
121 | 113 | Polymer Chemicals | 348 | 331 | |||||||||
165 | 165 | Activities to be divested | 512 | 487 | |||||||||
(40 | ) | (39 | ) | Intragroup revenues/other | (124 | ) | (116 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
966 | 927 | 4 | Total | 2,886 | 2,793 | 3 | |||||||
85 | 48 | 77 | Operating income (EBIT) | 259 | 202 | 28 | |||||||
8.8 | 5.2 | EBIT margin, in % | 9.0 | 7.2 | |||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
83 | 84 | (1 | ) | EBIT excluding one-off items | 252 | 253 | | ||||||
EBIT margin excluding one-off | |||||||||||||
8.6 | 9.1 | items, in % | 8.7 | 9.1 | |||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
148 | 110 | 35 | EBITDA | 442 | 390 | 13 | |||||||
48 | 64 | Capital expenditures | 174 | 166 | |||||||||
Invested capital | 2,340 | 2,048 | 1 | ||||||||||
Number of employees | 11,560 | 11,890 | 1 | ||||||||||
|
1 | At December 31. |
| Autonomous growth of 3% 1% higher selling prices; 2% higher volumes |
| Pressure from raw material and energy prices |
| Base Chemicals continued strong performance |
| Pulp & Paper Chemicals distinct improvement |
| Major new plants in Brazil opened |
| Divestment program progressing well |
Note: All figures and comments concern the present operations of Chemicals. The 2004 revenues figures have been adjusted for the regrouping of activities within Chemicals. |
16
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Chemicals third-quarter revenues of EUR 966 million were 4% higher than last year. Selling prices were up 1%, while volumes rose 2%. Currency translation had a positive effect of 1%. Activities in the emerging markets deliver strong growth and several investment opportunities in China were recently announced.
Excluding one-off items, operating income was virtually unchanged at EUR 83 million. Contributions from higher sales were more than offset by the impact of higher energy and raw material pricesaffecting almost all businesses. Earnings of Pulp & Paper Chemicals improved. Base Chemicals continued its strong performance due to high demand in the industrial salt and chlor-alkali markets.
2004 earnings included one-off charges of EUR 36 million (2005: EUR 2 million gain). Including these one-off items, operating income jumped from EUR 48 million to EUR 85 million.
Continued restructuring programs resulted in a workforce reduction of 260 in the first nine months of 2005. In order to further improve earnings, additional cost-saving measures are actively pursued.
Capital expenditures were EUR 48 million, which is 80% of depreciation. In Brazil, the Company inaugurated two new plants, constructed to supply chemicals to the countrys rapidly-growing pulp and paper industry. Built to supply the Veracel pulp mill, the Eka Bahia facility includes production units for sodium chlorate, chlorine dioxide, oxygen and a tank park for handling all chemicals from other sources. A new silica sol plant was officially opened at Santa Cruz in Rio de Janeiro. The facility will supply paper mills in the region with agents for retention and dewatering. Part of the silica production will be supplied to an adjacent manufacturer of catalysts for the petroleum industry.
In February, the Company announced that it intends to divest certain activities, which represent a total of around EUR 700 million in revenues. The processes to realize these divestments are progressing well. We currently expect to conclude the first deals in the first quarter of 2006.
Functional Chemicals has reached an agreement for the distribution of its Ferrazone® iron compound in South East Asia with St. Paul Pharmaceutical. This food additive helps to combat the widespread problem of iron deficiency anemia, and will be made available to a potential market of more than 100 million people. It has already been added to soy sauce in China and Indonesia as part of a project to boost peoples intake of iron.
17
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
|
|||||||||
C O N D E N S E D C O N S O L I D A T E D S T A T E M E N T O F C A S H F L O W S | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
Millions of euros |
January-September
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
Earnings
before minority interest
|
670 |
820
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
426 |
440
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
Cash
flow
|
1,096 |
1,260
|
|||||||
Changes
in working capital
|
(472 | ) |
(40
|
) | |||||
Changes
in provisions
|
(451 | ) |
(74
|
) | |||||
Pre-tax
gain on divestments
|
(35 | ) |
(458
|
) | |||||
Changes
in deferred tax assets, and other
financial noncurrent assets
|
25
|
(5
|
) | ||||||
Impairments
|
3 |
39
|
|||||||
Other
changes
|
|
(5
|
) | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
Net
cash provided by operations
|
166 | 717 | |||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
(342 | ) |
(379
|
) | |||||
Investments
in intangible assets
|
(49 | ) |
(20
|
) | |||||
Acquisitions
|
(39 | ) |
(57
|
) | |||||
Proceeds
from divestments
|
59 |
870
|
|||||||
Repayments
nonconsolidated companies
|
26 |
124
|
|||||||
Other
changes
|
5 |
8
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
Net
cash (used for)/provided by investing activities
|
(340 | ) | 546 | ||||||
Dividends
paid
|
(276 | ) | (273 | ) | |||||
|
|
||||||||
Funds
balance
|
(450 | ) | 990 | ||||||
Net
cash generated by/(used for) financing activities
|
93 | (164 | ) | ||||||
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
36 | 6 | |||||||
|
|
||||||||
Change
in cash and cash equivalents
|
(321 | ) | 832 | ||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
18
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Funds balance down lower proceeds from divestments; payments into the Netherlands pension fund for the new pension scheme
The funds balance for the first three quarters of 2005 was an outflow of EUR 450 million (2004: EUR 990 million inflow). Both the cash flow from operations and for investing activities was lower.
Cash flow from operations decreased from EUR 717 million to EUR 166 million in 2005. In this year, the Company paid approximately EUR 300 million into the pension fund in the Netherlands for the start of the new pension scheme (see page 8). The seasonal change in the operational working capital1 was in the same order of magnitude as in 2004. The higher increase of working capital when compared to last year was caused by various changes in the other working capital elements. This includes the effects of the income taxes paid during the year, the sizeable fair values (asset) of petroleum and currency derivatives, lower accrual balances at September 30, 2005, and the EUR 25 million receivable from Johnson & Johnson for the termination of the Risperdal® copromotion.
Cash flow for investing activities was an outflow of EUR 340 million (2004: EUR 546 million inflow).
Capital expenditures were EUR 342 million (2004: EUR 379 million), which is 86% of depreciation. Investments in intangible assets of EUR 49 million mainly concerned the payments made by Organon under the R&D collaboration contracts with Lexicon Genetics and Merck KGaA affiliate Laboratoire Théramex.
Proceeds from divestments in 2005 predominantly concerned the divestments of certain feed additives activities of Intervet and of Chemicals interest in Svensk Ethanolkemie. 2004 proceeds predominantly related to the divestment of Catalysts and Phosphorus Chemicals.
Repayments from nonconsolidated companies primarily stemmed from Acordis.
Net cash generated by financing activities in 2005 predominantly was the effect of the termination of a currency swap2.
1 | The balance of inventories and trade receivables less suppliers. |
2 | In January 2005, the Company terminated a currency swap contract whereby EUR 250 million floating-rate EURIBOR-related liabilities were swapped into USD 223 million LIBOR-related liabilities, generating EUR 78 million in cash proceeds. This swap was part of an interest rate currency swap whereby euro-denominated fixed rate liabilities were swapped into floating rate U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities. |
19
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
|
|||||||
C O N D E N S E D C O N S O L I D A T E D B A L A N C E S H E E T | |||||||
|
|||||||
January
1,
|
|||||||
2005;
incl.
|
|||||||
September
30,
|
IAS
32 and
|
December
|
|||||
Millions of euros |
2005
|
39
|
31,
2004
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
Intangible
assets
|
495 |
448
|
448 | ||||
Property,
plant and equipment
|
3,579 |
3,535
|
3,535 | ||||
Deferred
tax assets
|
804 |
778
|
784 | ||||
Other
financial noncurrent assets
|
765 |
883
|
624 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
noncurrent assets
|
5,643 |
5,644
|
5,391 | ||||
Inventories
|
2,030 |
1,978
|
1,978 | ||||
Receivables
|
3,216 |
2,791
|
2,761 | ||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
1,490 |
1,812
|
1,811 | ||||
Assets
held for sale
|
202 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
6,938 |
6,581
|
6,550 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
12,581 |
12,225
|
11,941 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Akzo
Nobel N.V. shareholders' equity
|
3,246 |
2,638
|
2,626 | ||||
Minority
interest
|
155 |
140
|
140 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Equity
|
3,401 |
2,778
|
2,766 | ||||
Provisions
|
3,265 |
3,613
|
3,608 | ||||
Deferred
income
|
34 |
56
|
56 | ||||
Long-term
borrowings
|
3,072 |
2,983
|
2,694 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
noncurrent liabilities
|
6,371 |
6,652
|
6,358 | ||||
Short-term
borrowings
|
232 |
258
|
258 | ||||
Current
payables
|
2,537 |
2,537
|
2,559 | ||||
Liabilities
held for sale
|
40 | ||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
2,809 |
2,795
|
2,817 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
equity and liabilities
|
12,581 |
12,225
|
11,941 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Gearing
|
0.53 |
0.51
|
0.41 | ||||
Invested
capital
|
8,199 |
7,559
|
7,254 | ||||
Shareholders
equity per share, in EUR
|
11.36 |
9.23
|
9.19 | ||||
Number
of shares outstanding, in millions
|
285.8 |
285.8
|
285.8 | ||||
|
20
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
|
|||||||
C H A N G E S I N E Q U I T Y | |||||||
|
|||||||
Share-
|
|||||||
holders
|
Minority
|
||||||
Millions of euros |
equity
|
interest
|
Equity
|
||||
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance
at December 31, 2004
|
2,626 | 140 | 2,766 | ||||
Adoption
of IAS 32 and 39 for financial instruments
|
12 | 12 | |||||
Income
|
644 | 26 | 670 | ||||
Dividends
|
(257 | ) | (19 | ) | (276 | ) | |
Share-based
payments
|
24 | 1 | 24 | ||||
Fair
value changes of forward exchange contracts
|
|||||||
designated
for hedge accounting
|
12 | 12 | |||||
Changes
in exchange rates
|
185 | 15 | 200 | ||||
Changes
in minority interest in subsidiaries
|
(7 | ) | (7 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||
Balance
at September 30, 2005
|
3,246 | 155 | 3,401 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
Strong financial position
Invested capital at September 30, 2005, amounted to EUR 8.2 billion, EUR 0.6 billion higher than at January 1, 2005, mainly due to positive currency translation effects and the (seasonal) increase of working capital.
The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale in the Companys balance sheet concern those Chemicals activities included in the present divestment program, which at September 30, 2005, met the IFRS criteria for recognition as such.
Equity was up EUR 0.6 billion to EUR 3.4 billion, due to retained income and positive currency translation effects. Net interest-bearing borrowings increased by EUR 0.4 billion to EUR 1.8 billion, as a consequence of the negative funds balance. Gearing was 0.53 (January 1, 2005: 0.51). The Company maintained its strong financial position.
Arnhem, October 19, 2005 | The Board of Management |
1 | Effective July 1, 2005, the Companys stock option plans have been modified such that they now qualify as equity-settled plans under IFRS 2, whereas they used to qualify as cash-settled plans. As a consequence, the liability at June 30, 2005, for these plans of EUR 20 million has been credited to shareholders equity. This amount is included in the share-based payments related figure of EUR 24 million in the equity movement schedule. |
21
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards
This interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of the recognition and measurement requirements of IFRS as in September 2005. The 2004 comparative figures have been restated accordingly.
For the accounting policies applied, see the document Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, which can be found on the Companys website.
In summary, the impact of IFRS on the Companys accounts is a decline in shareholders equity at December 31, 2004, of EUR 410 million. On balance, net income for January-September 2004 increased 3%. All this is mainly attributable to the differences in the method of accounting under IFRS for pensions and other postretirement benefits, the recognition of deferred taxes on intercompany profit, the recognition of the payment received from Pfizer for the asenapine cooperation, the recognition of goodwill, and the recognition of provisions. For the most part, the changed accounting relates to timing of the recognition of assets, liabilities, and related results.
The reconciliation of shareholders equity at December 31, 2004, and of net income for January-September 2004 is as follows:
|
|||||
Millions of euros |
Shareholders
equity
at
December 31,
2004
|
Net
income for
January-September
of
2004
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
Figure
based on NL GAAP
|
3,036 | 766 | |||
Pensions
and other postretirement benefits
|
(425 | ) | 40 | ||
Deferred
taxes on intercompany profit
|
33 | (39 | ) | ||
Termination
of goodwill amortization
|
19 | 15 | |||
Pfizer
payment
|
(45 | ) | 17 | ||
Discounting
of provisions
|
20 | (13 | ) | ||
Other
long-term employee benefits
|
(8 | ) | | ||
Share-based
payments
|
(10 | ) | | ||
Other
|
6 | 6 | |||
|
|
||||
Figure
based on IFRS
|
2,626 | 792 | |||
|
22
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
In addition, until 2004, the Company separately reported so-called nonrecurring items. These related to income and expenses resulting from normal business operations, which, because of their size or nature, are disclosed separately for a better understanding of the underlying result for the period. IFRS does not allow this concept. Therefore, the Company will not report IFRS earnings figures excluding nonrecurring items on the face of the statement of income. However, for better insight into the Companys earnings development, the most important elements of nonrecurring items will now be reported on separate lines within operating income in the statement of income; see page 3.
The Company used to report royalty income under Other results in the statement of income. Under IFRS, royalty income is reclassified to Revenues. Also proceeds for certain services rendered by the Company, which used to be deducted from cost lines in the statement of income, have now been reclassified to Revenues.
IFRS as applied for the restated figures of 2004 do not include standards IAS 32 and 39 for financial instruments. The Company has opted for the transition provision of IFRS 1 to apply these standards as from January 1, 2005. The after-tax effect of the implementation of IAS 32 and 39 on January 1, 2005, on balance, is a credit to shareholders equity of EUR 12 million1. The balance sheet at January 1, 2005, including IAS 32 and 39, on page 20 provides more information on the effect of the adoption of these standards.
For a detailed explanation of the impact of IFRS on the Companys financial statements see the report IFRS-based reporting for 2004 & implementation of IAS 32 and 39, which can be found on the Companys website.
1 | It should be noted that the impact of the adoption of IAS 32 and 39 has been determined to the best of our present knowledge. The recognition of financial instruments is a very complex matter. As a consequence, our views and position could be subject to change. |
23
Report for the 3rd quarter of 2005
Safe Harbor Statement*
This report contains statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobels growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements, including but not limited to the Outlook, should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. These factors also include changes in regulations or interpretations related to the implementation and reporting under IFRS, decisions to apply a different option of presentation permitted by IFRS, and various other factors related to the implementation of IFRS, including the implementation of IAS 32 and 39 for financial instruments. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please see our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which can be found on the Companys website www.akzonobel.com.
* Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995.
Additional
Information
|
Akzo
Nobel N.V.
Velperweg 76 P.O. Box 9300 6800 SB Arnhem The Netherlands |
||
The
explanatory sheets used by the CFO during the press conference can be viewed on Akzo Nobels website. |
|||
Tel. | + 31 26 366 4433 | ||
Fax | + 31 26 366 3250 | ||
ACC@akzonobel.com | |||
Internet | www.akzonobel.com |
24