H1 2023 result outperforms prior year at constant exchange rates

Half-year result heavily impacted by exchange rates
Exchange-rate movements had a significant impact on the half-year result, especially the currencies Euro (EUR), US dollar (USD) and Canadian dollar (CAD). In CHF terms, accordingly, the COLTENE Group posted H1 2023 net sales of CHF 131.4 million, down 2.6% year-on-year. In local-currency terms, by contrast, net sales were up 1.7%, a pleasing increase considering the strong performance in the same period a year earlier (CHF 134.9 million). Operating profit (EBIT) was CHF 14.4 million (H1 2022: CHF 16.7 million) and the EBIT margin was 11.0% (H1 2022: 12.4%). Net profit was CHF 10.0 million (H1 2022: CHF 12.1 million). Free cash flow received a sharp lift from optimized net working capital, ending the half year at CHF 16.7 million (H1 2022: CHF 7.8 million). This was supported in part by the scaling back of stockpiling activities as supply chain constraints eased generally.

Impressive growth in Infection Control sales
In H1 2023, most of the backlogs affecting instrument reprocessing equipment as a result of supply chain bottlenecks were cleared, as by and large, the supply chain situation has returned to normal. At the same time, however, the state of the global economy weighed on demand for devices. Despite these challenges, Infection Control sales grew 6.2%, year-on-year. In local currencies, in fact, the increase was 10.6%. By contrast, sales in Efficient Treatment and Dental Restoration suffered as distribution partners reduced their existing inventories, above all in the key markets Europe and North America. In Efficient Treatment, growth was accordingly modest (0.3% in local currency terms and -4.2% in CHF terms). Dental Restoration business performance was further hampered by delays in the certification process for endodontic files caused by a notified body (-5.5% in local currency terms, -9.5% in CHF terms). In the meantime, COLTENE has received these certifications, and hence is on track to start generating sales in H2 2023.

Positive growth in North America
North America sales were up an impressive 4.2% in local currency terms, growing their share of total sales to 47.2% (H1 2022: 45.7%). Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) came to account for 35.4% of our business (H1 2022: 36.8%), with sales down 1.6% in local currency terms (-6.2% in CHF terms). While some European markets performed sharply better, Middle East and Africa did not continue their strong sales growth of the prior-year period. Impressively, Asia sales year-on-year were 7.4% higher (-0.4% in CHF terms), contributing 11.1% to Group turnover in H1. India performed extremely well, reporting 22.4% higher sales in local currency terms. China sales had a subdued start to 2023 but ended H1 up 13.9% in local currency terms. In Latin America, sales were down 6.2% in local currency terms.

Digital transformation increases patient safety
COLTENE is well advanced in the transition to the new EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) requirements. By H1 2023, 92% of sales were realized with MDR certified products. In H2, the Group is launching and phasing in new products and services in key markets to further accelerate digital transformation at COLTENE. This will enhance patient safety and efficiency in dental practices while also improving information for service technicians.

Outlook for 2023
The outlook for the global economy and the geopolitical environment remains uncertain. This may weaken the more cyclical demand for Infection Control devices, in particular, assuming inflation and interest rates remain high. Nevertheless, the COLTENE Group looks to H2 2023 with confidence. We expect that our distribution partners will have finished optimizing their inventories in the course of H2. We are also enthusiastic about the products and services we will be launching in the coming months to further drive digital transformation at COLTENE and access new customers. In addition, COLTENE will benefit from the newly received certifications that have cleared our endodontic files for sale and from further economic recovery in China. Given its healthy balance sheet, moreover, COLTENE is well positioned for growth through acquisitions.

Based on the factors listed, the Group confirms its medium-term target of an EBIT margin of 15% with sales growth modestly above the market average.

Half-year report 2023

The half-year yeport 2023 of COLTENE Holding AG is available for download at global.coltene.com/investor-relations/financial-publications/half-year-reports/.

For further information: Markus Abderhalden, CFO,

phone +41 71 757 54 80, mobile +41 79 436 26 22, e-mail [email protected]

Sign up for email updates from COLTENE Holding AG at www.coltene.com.