GROUPE SEB ENJOYED AN EXCELLENT YEAR IN 2015.

The very solid increase in our sales is healthy and well-balanced, covering all the major product lines, all regions and all distribution channels. Our results have improved significantly, especially our Operating result from activity, which is proof of the Group’s ability to compensate for extremely negative currency effects with a proactive pricing policy, competitiveness campaigns and strict cost control. This performance has allowed us to generate increased cash flow and to reduce the Group’s debt significantly.

Despite some highly complicated market conditions and an unfavorable forex environment, the Group met its commitments and largely exceeded its performance targets set in early 2015. I would like to praise the commitment and professionalism of all the Group’s teams, who were mobilized and gave their best.

Strengthened by this performance, the Group will propose a dividend payment of €1.54 per share, an increase of 6.9%, to the AGM on 19 May.

We have entered 2016 with confidence, while keeping a close eye on economic trends in its markets and exchange rate fluctuations which will continue to impact its revenue and results. Our objective in 2016 is to once again achieve organic sales growth and to ensure a new increase in Operating Result from Activity.