Half-year Report

RNS Number : 9799G

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain

29 July 2021

 

PRESS RELEASE

 Paris, July 29, 2021 , 6: 00pm

First-half 2021 results

New records for all performance indicators

· +11.9% in organic growth versus first-half 2019  and +27.4% versus first-half 2020:

o  +7.6% in volumes versus first-half 2019: strong momentum on underlying markets and market share gains

o  +4.3% in prices versus first-half 2019 (+3.9% versus first-half 2020), an acceleration in a far more inflationary environment

· +53% in like-for-like operating income versus first-half 2019, to €2,376 million

· 10.7% operating margin in first-half 2021 versus 7.6% in first-half 2019

· Successful conclusion of "Transform & Grow", with objectives significantly exceeded : 10.4% operating margin on a rolling 12-month basis

· +34% in EBITDA versus first-half 2019 to €3,248 million, and EBITDA margin at 14.7%

· +60% in recurring net income versus first-half 2019 to €1,506 million

· +47% in free cash flow versus first-half 2020 to €2,461 million with a conversion ratio of 84%

2021 operating income target raised:

record figure for the full year

Enhanced growth and profitability profile
as a leading player in light and sustainable construction

Benoit Bazin, Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain, commented:

"These first-half 2021 record results surpass even our second-half 2020 performance. This success reflects the profound positive changes in our organization from "Transform & Grow" - streamlined, agile and closely aligned with its customers - thanks to our extremely committed teams who have stepped up to the challenge across the globe in this unprecedented period. It also reflects structural changes in our markets, which should show an acceleration in growth over the coming years. With divestitures of €5.3 billion in sales either closed or signed since the end of 2018, the Group continues to optimize its profile. Saint-Gobain is now on a new growth and profitability trajectory and is affirming its position as a leading player in decarbonization solutions for construction and industry, thanks to its comprehensive range of integrated and light solutions providing customers with sustainability and performance.

Against this supportive backdrop, we are targeting a very strong increase in operating income over full-year 2021 to a new all-time high, and for second-half 2021 we are confident in the Group's ability to deliver like-for-like operating income close to the previous record of second-half 2020."

Group operating performance

First-half consolidated sales were up11.9% on first-half 2019on a like-for-like basis (up 9.0% in the first quarter and 14.7% in the second). This acceleration in organic growth was supported by the Group's comprehensive range of solutionsfor sustainability and performance. It reflects market share gains and very good momentum across our segments, particularly renovation in Europe, and construction in the Americas and in Asia-Pacific. Overall, our main industrial markets continued their sequential improvement, excluding the automotive market in Europe.

Group volumes were up by 7.6% on first-half 2019 and the price increase accelerated to 4.3% (3.9% versus first-half 2020, of which 2.6% in the first quarter and 5.1% in the second) amid increased energy and raw material cost inflation.

On a reported basis , sales totaled €22,131million, up 24.6% year-on-year and up 2.1% on first-half 2019. The 2.6% negative currency effect compared to first-half 2020 mainly reflects the depreciation of the US dollar, Brazilian real and other emerging country currencies.

Changes in Group structure had a negative 0.2% impact compared to first-half 2020, due to the ongoing optimization of the Group's profile, with total divestitures of €5.3 billion in sales either closed or signed since the end of 2018. The sale of the Pipe business in China was finalized on July 28, while closing of the transaction relating to the sale of Saint-Gobain's Distribution activities in the Netherlands is expected to occur on July 30, 2021.

In terms of acquisitions, the Group has integrated several companies on targeted fast-growing markets such as Brüggemann in turnkey modular timber construction solutions in Germany and Strikolith in exterior insulation systems in the Netherlands . Over the first six months of 2021, Continental Building Products (plasterboard in the US) generated USD 289 million in sales and USD 82 million in EBITDA (versus USD 50 million in first-half 2020), representing an EBITDA margin of 28.4% (20.8% in first-half 2020). Synergies exceeded USD 20 million in the first half of 2021.

Note that in light of the hyperinflationary environment in Argentina, this country which represents less than 1% of the Group's consolidated sales, is excluded from the like-for-like analysis.

Consolidated operating income hit a new record in first-half 2021, at €2,376 million (after €2,028 million in second-half 2020), a like-for-like rise of 53% on first-half 2019.

The Group's operating margin hit another all-time high of10.7% in first-half 2021 (after a record 10.0% in second-half 2020), compared to 7.6% in first-half 2019.

Over the past 12 months, the Group's operating margin was 10.4% (versus 7.7% in 2018), significantly exceeding the objectives set out in "Transform & Grow", and benefiting from:

-  A structural improvement linked to the success of "Transform & Grow" , with a 60 bps increase thanks to € 250 million in recurring and structural savings in the context of the new organization, and an additional 60 bps increase linked to the successful optimization of the Group's profile;

-  A structurally improved volume dynamic with a very good leverage effect , adding around 60 bps to the margin, thanks in particular to increased demand on the renovation market post-pandemic, which the Group has been able to take full advantage of thanks to its new organization close to customers in each country or market;

-  One-off or temporary impacts adding around 90 bps to the margin : generation of a positive price-cost spread of around €235 million (€110 million in second-half 2020 and €125 million in first-half 2021), a low level of overhead costs thanks to reduced discretionary spending, and post-coronavirus catch-up effects.

Operating performance by segment ( like-for-like sales)

High Performance Solutions (HPS): slight growth in sales versus first-half 2019 and sequential margin improvement

HPS sales were up by 2.0% on first-half 2019, benefiting from the improvement in our main industrial markets excluding European automotive. The operating margin was 13.5% versus 13.0% in first-half 2019 and 14.4% in first-half 2018, continuing its sequential improvement after 11.1% in second-half 2020.

-  The Mobility business saw strong sales growth against a prior-year comparison basis affected by automotive manufacturing plant shutdowns. However, sales remained around 3% down on the first half of 2019, owing to the contraction in the European market, while sales to the Americas and China were up sharply. Supply chain tensions related to the shortage of semi-conductors weighed on trading in the second quarter to some extent. Mobility continued to outperform the automotive market in the period, thanks to its increasing exposure to electric vehicles and to high value-added products.

-  Businesses serving Industry also rebounded strongly against a weak first-half 2020 comparison basis and were up slightly on first-half 2019. Surface finishing solutions were notably driven by Do-It-Yourself (DIY) markets. Activities related to our customers' investment cycles continued to report a sequential improvement, but remained down on first-half 2019.

-  Businesses serving the Construction Industry, little affected by the pandemic in first-half 2020, continued to deliver double-digit growth and to benefit from gains in market share and upbeat trends in textile solutions for external thermal insulation systems (ETICS).

-  Life Sciences , which was up in first-half 2020, enjoyed double-digit growth with good momentum in the pharmaceutical and medical sector, buoyed by its recent capacity investments.

Northern Europe: growth in sales driven by renovation and a good margin level

Sales in Northern Europe progressed by 9.9% compared to first-half 2019 in a Region in which the UK was the only country to have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in first-half 2020. All countries in the Region reported growth, due in particular to households reallocating savings towards renovation spending. The operating margin for the Region came in at 7.9% versus 6.0% in first-half 2019, buoyed by good volume trends, an optimized business profile, structural cost reductions and post-coronavirus adaptation measures.

Nordic countries , which were up in first-half 2020, continued to deliver solid growth, particularly thanks to the success of our omnichannel digital strategy in a supportive renovation market. Germany enjoyed stronger momentum on dynamic construction markets, and notably in modular timber construction, other light and sustainable construction, and related construction chemicals applications. The UK saw an acceleration in growth in the period compared to first-half 2019, led by double-digit growth in the second quarter in sales to trade professionals via Distribution, which benefited from the network optimization carried out in 2019 and 2020. Eastern Europe reported robust growth.

Southern Europe - Middle East & Africa:   strong sales momentum in the renovation market and record margin

Sales for the Southern Europe - Middle East & Africa Region enjoyed strong momentum, up 13.1% on first-half 2019, reflecting the Group's outperformance on flourishing renovation markets and households prioritizing spending on renovation. The operating margin for the Region came in at a record 9.1% (a clear sequential increase after 8.0% in second-half 2020), up from 5.0% in first-half 2019, thanks to the very good volume dynamic in the renovation market, productivity gains from our teams, and the impact of divestments and structural cost reductions.

France 's compelling performance drove the Region's growth, with market share gains and robust demand for renovation work which benefited the Group's energy efficiency solutions both manufactured and sold on a large scale thanks to the unrivalled presence of Saint-Gobain's Distribution network, our digital services for trade professionals and our intermediation platform for end-customers. The full impact of France's household stimulus package MaPrimeRénov' for home renovation contributed to the good overall dynamic, with more than 380,000 projects submitted in the first half. In terms of renovation of public buildings, the first effects of the stimulus plan should begin to be felt in late 2021 or early 2022. Spain advanced, particularly in light construction solutions and construction chemicals, despite the closure of a flat glass manufacturing plant in 2020 as part of the optimization of our industrial footprint. Italy continued to benefit from support for energy-efficient renovation in the form of tax credits, which helped accelerate growth. Benelux, which was relatively unaffected by the lockdown measures in first-half 2020, was also up. The acquisition of Strikolith in the Netherlands has enhanced the Group's offering in the fast-growing exterior insulation systems market. Middle East and African countries progressed very strongly.

Americas: sharp growth in sales and record margin

After delivering an already strong performance with 15.7% growth in the second half of 2020, sales for the Americas were up 25.2% on first-half 2019 in very dynamic markets. The first-half performance also benefited from double-digit price increases. The operating margin for the Region came in at a record 17.0% versus 9.0% in first-half 2019, mainly supported by double-digit growth in volumes and by a clear positive raw material and energy price-cost spread.

-  North America progressed by 19.9% versus first-half 2019, driven by particularly strong demand in single-family homes, and by the acceleration in the price increase - in both interior and exterior solutions - in a far more inflationary environment. Sales synergies are bearing fruit and accelerating sales growth. Our extremely agile local organization enabled us to overcome strong tensions on supply chains, leading all businesses to report a clear increase in sales. Light construction continued to deliver an excellent performance, thanks particularly to the successful integration of Continental Building Products.

-  Latin America achieved further vigorous growth in terms of both volumes and prices, enabling it to manage inflation. Despite a challenging health situation for part of the first half, especially in Brazil, the Region reported impressive growth of 37.1% compared to first-half 2019, driven by façade solutions, construction chemicals applications and interior solutions. Thanks to the local organization and an approach in which the Group's full range of solutions can be offered to customers, Latin America continues to see sales synergies and market share gains.

Asia-Pacific: strong sales and margin growth

The Asia-Pacific Region saw 16.2% organic growth versus first-half 2019, led by China and despite a challenging health situation in India. The operating margin for the Region came in at 11.2%, versus 9.5% in first-half 2019, driven by China and India, despite the challenging health context in the latter.

China reported very dynamic growth, which accelerated in the second quarter versus 2019 thanks to an upbeat market and to market share gains in construction solutions. India rebounded sharply compared to first-half 2020, when the pandemic had caused the country to come to a standstill, and was up slightly on first-half 2019 thanks to increased sales prices. After a good first-quarter 2021 with double-digit organic growth compared to pre-Covid levels, the second quarter was penalized by a deteriorating health situation. South-East Asia reported a very mixed picture in terms of recovery, buoyed by business growth in Vietnam where we continued to capture market share, but with most other countries still below 2019 levels.

ESG: solid progress in the 2030 roadmap in first-half 2021

A total of 1,000 initiatives have been logged since the launch of the internal Carbon Fund to engage all of the Group's employees on the road to carbon neutrality. First implemented in Northern Europe, it aims to accelerate the reduction of non-industrial CO₂ emissions through the everyday actions of employees and targeted investments in sites. This Carbon Fund is based on Saint-Gobain's internal carbon price and converts part of the CO₂ emissions reductions achieved into financing for projects which themselves seek to reduce the Group's carbon footprint, creating a virtuous circle.

The Group has recently increased its internal carbon prices to €50 per ton for investment decisions and to €150 per ton for R&D investments in disruptive technologies.

Saint-Gobain has also committed to supporting 1,000 complete energy renovation projects from employees eligible for France's new reinforced MaPrimeRénov' stimulus package.

Elsewhere, the Group has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) which will enable it to achieve almost 40% of green electricity in 2021, double that in 2020. The latest PPA was signed in March for a capacity of 120 megawatts (MW) of a wind farm in the US. The renewable energy certificates related to this agreement represent 40% of the Group's CO₂ emissions from electricity in the US.

Each year through to 2030, the Group will also dedicate a budget of €100 million to targeted capital expenditure and research and development to reduce its industrial CO ₂ emissions.

As part of this, Saint-Gobain is to invest in Fredrikstad in Norway to create the world's first carbon-neutral plasterboard plant. This project will eliminate more than 20,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year and reduce the site's energy consumption. This investment is a tangible demonstration of Saint-Gobain's commitment to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33% by 2030 compared to 2017, as part of its key target to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Lastly, the Group has recently decided to build a sixth flat glass production plant in India. The plant will enable Saint-Gobain to reduce CO₂ emissions by 25% per square meter of flat glass , thanks in particular to heat recovery, the use of recycled cullet and solar panels.

Analysis of the consolidated financial statements for first-half 2021 

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for first-half 2021 were subject to a limited review by the statutory auditors and adopted by the Board of Directors on July 29, 2021.

	H1 2019	H1 2020	H1 2021	% change
in € million				2021/2019	2021/2020
Sales	21,677	17,764	22,131	2.1%	24.6%
Operating income	1,638	827	2,376	45.1%	187.3%
Operating depreciation and amortization	947	950	954	0.7%	0.4%
Non-operating costs	-168	-142	-82	51.2%	42.3%
EBITDA	2,417	1,635	3,248	34.4%	98.7%
Capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and impact of changes in Group structure	-217	-734	-150	30.9%	79.6%
Business income (loss)	1,253	-49	2,144	71.1%	n.s.
Net financial expense	-250	-234	-213	14.8%	9.0%
Dividends received from investments	28	34	0	n.s.	n.s.
Income tax	-318	-183	-593	-86.5%	-224.0%
Share in net income (loss) of associates	1	-1	2	n.s.	n.s.
Net income (loss) before non-controlling interests	714	-433	1,340	87.7%	409.5%
Non-controlling interests	25	1	42	68.0%	n.s.
Net attributable income (loss)	689	-434	1,298	88.4%	399.1%
Earnings (loss) per share 2 (in €)	1.27	-0.81	2.45	92.9%	402.5%
Recurring net income 1	944	272	1,506	59.5%	453.7%
Recurring earnings per share2 (in €)	1.74	0.51	2.85	63.8%	458.8%
EBITDA	2,417	1,635	3,248	34.4%	98.7%
Depreciation of right-of-use assets	-340	-336	-333	2.1%	0.9%
Net financial expense	-250	-234	-213	14.8%	9.0%
Income tax	-318	-183	-593	-86.5%	-224.0%
Capital expenditure3	-682	-447	-431	-36.8%	-3.6%
o/w additional capacity investments	220	155	121	-45.0%	-21.9%
Changes in working capital requirement4	-357	1,088	662	285.4%	-39.2%
Free cash flow5	690	1,678	2,461	256.7%	46.7%
Free cash flow conversion6	33%	129%	84%
Lease investments	353	409	285	-19.3%	-30.3%
Investments in securities7	158	1,256	91	-42.4%	-92.8%
Divestments	227	2,434	-79	-134.8%	-103.2%
Consolidated net debt	12,799	9,841	7,584	-40.7%	-22.9%

1.  Recurring net income = net attributable income excluding capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and material non-recurring provisions

2.  Calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding (529,188,715 shares in 2021,   versus 538,242,661 shares in 2020)

3.  Capital expenditure = investments in tangible and intangible assets

4.  Change in working capital requirement: over a 12-month period (see Appendix 4, bottom of "Consolidated cash flow statement")

5.  Free cash flow = EBITDA less depreciation of right-of-use assets, plus net financial expense, plus income tax, less capital expenditure excluding additional capacity investments, plus change in working capital requirement over a 12-month period

6.  Free cash flow conversion = free cash flow divided by EBITDA, less depreciation of right-of-use assets

7.  Investments in securities: €91 million in first-half 2021, of which €80 million in controlled companies

EBITDA climbed 34.4% versus first-half 2019 to a record €3,248 million, while the EBITDA margin came in at an all-time high of 14.7%, up from 11.2% in first-half 2019.

Non-operating costs fell to €82 million versus €142 million in first-half 2020, with a significant drop in restructuring costs, as expected. The net balance of capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and the impacts of changes in Group structure represented an expense of €150 million (versus an expense of €734 million in first-half 2020), reflecting €97 million in asset write-downs and €53 million in disposal losses and impacts relating to changes in Group structure. Business income was €2,144 million versus a business loss of €49 million in the first half of 2020.

Net financial expense excluding dividends from investments improved, at €213 million versus €234 million in first-half 2020.

The tax rate on recurring net income was 24.8%, stable compared to first-half 2019. Income tax was €593 million, including an exceptional €105 million which relates to the deferred tax in the UK (liability method) owing to the rise in the corporate income tax rate from 19% to 25%.

Recurring net income hit an all-time high of €1,506 million (excluding capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and material non-recurring provisions), up from €272 million in first-half 2020 and €944 million in first-half 2019.

Net attributable income amounted to €1,298 million, compared to €689 million in first-half 2019.

Capital expenditure represented €431 million (€447 million in first-half 2020): the abnormally low figure is attributable to availability restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Certain planned growth capex projects - in the Construction Industry and in façade and gypsum solutions in emerging countries (Mexico, India and China) - will be caught up in second-half 2021 and will round out the 13 new plants successfully opened over the past 12 months, mainly to reinforce our leadership on the fast-growing light construction markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Free cash flow jumped 47% versus first-half 2020 to a record €2,461 million, or 11.1% of sales (9.4% of sales in first-half 2020 and 3.2% in first-half 2019), with a free cash flow conversion ratio of 84%, buoyed by an almost two-fold increase in EBITDA and very low levels of working capital requirement and capital expenditure. Operating working capital requirement came in at 25 days' sales at June 30, 2021, compared to 32 days at end-June 2020 (and 41 days at end-June 2019), with significant depletion of inventories in order to ensure the best service for our customers. Inventory levels should be built back up in the second half of 2021.

Investments in securities totaled €91 million (versus €1,256 million in first-half 2020, mainly reflecting the acquisition of Continental Building Products).

Divestments represented an outflow of €79 million (versus an inflow of €2,434 million in first-half 2020 mainly reflecting the sale of Sika shares) and mainly related to the sale of Lapeyre (outflow of €193 million), partly offset by other divestments (Distribution in Spain, advance payment for Pipe in China).

Net debt fell sharply to €7.6 billion at June 30, 2021, from €9.8 billion at end-June 2020, thanks to a sharp rise in free cash flow generation. Excluding IFRS 16, net debt fell to €4.5 billion at June 30, 2021, from €6.7 billion at end-June 2020. Net debt represents 39% of consolidated equity compared to 54% at June 30, 2020. The net debt to EBITDA ratio on a rolling 12-month basis was 1.3 (0.9 excluding IFRS 16) compared to 2.4 (2.0 excluding IFRS 16) at June 30, 2020.

Outlook

In second-half 2021, against a higher comparison basis and in a macroeconomic and health environment which remains affected by uncertainties , the Group should continue to benefit from strong momentum in its main markets - especially renovation in Europe, as well as construction in the Americas and in Asia-Pacific - and from a solid operating performance. In this environment, and provided there is no new major impact relating to the coronavirus pandemic, Saint-Gobain expects the following trends for its segments:

-  High Performance Solutions : continued sequential improvement in industrial markets, excluding automotive in Europe. Businesses related to customer investment should rally steadily, although are expected to remain down on the good level recorded in 2018;

-  Europe: continued outperformance in construction led by renovation and support from stimulus programs, albeit with a high comparison basis for the summer months and in December, when trade professionals are expected to take more holiday than in 2020;

-  Americas : market growth, particularly residential construction, in both North and Latin America;

-  Asia-Pacific : market growth with continued good momentum in China, ongoing uncertainty in India and significant health-related disruptions in South-East Asia.

The Group recalls its priorities:

1)  Accelerate growth as leader in light and sustainable construction, offering decarbonization solutions for construction and industry

-  Outperformance versus the market thanks to an agile organization focused on its customers in each country and end market;

-  A range of integrated, differentiated and innovative solutions to help our customers decarbonize;

-  Further progress in ESG , with the deployment of our 2030 roadmap towards carbon neutrality in 2050;

-  Continued optimization of the Group's profile (divestments and acquisitions) and integration of Chryso, a leading global player in construction chemicals.

2)  Continue its initiatives focused on profitability and performance: maintain robust margins and strong free cash flow generation

-  Constant focus on the price-cost spread , thanks to strong pricing discipline, amid strong inflation in raw material and energy costs;

-  Reduction in costs as part of post-coronavirus adaptation measures to lower the break-even point of certain businesses, which should generate €150 million in cost savings in 2021 (€100 million in first-half 2021 and €50 million in second-half 2021) compared to 2020, following €50 million in second-half 2020;

-  Reinforcement of the operational excellence program aimed at offsetting inflation (excluding raw material and energy costs);

-  Maintaining the structural improvement in operating working capital requirement and rebuilding adequate inventories in order to best serve customers;

-  Capital expenditure of around €1.5 billion, focused strictly on high-growth markets, and ongoing digital transformation;

-  Continued reduction in non-operating costs.

For full-year 2021, the Group is now targeting a very strong increase in operating income to a new all-time high, with like-for-like operating income in second-half 2021 close to the previous record of second-half 2020.

The Group is ideally placed to assist the growing number of countries committing to carbon-neutrality thanks to its light and sustainable construction solutions, which are crucial for achieving this ambition. It is supported by stimulus plans focused on the energy transition across the globe.

Saint-Gobain's structural medium and long-term outlook is robust thanks to its successful strategic and organizational choices, and to the development of a range of integrated solutions for each country and end market. The strategy of differentiation and innovation means that Saint-Gobain is ideally placed to provide its customers with solutions for sustainability and performance. This strategy is perfectly aligned with the Group's purpose of "Making the World a better Home".

Financial calendar

- An information meeting for analysts and investors will be held on July 30, 2021 at 8:30am (GMT+1), and will be streamed live on Saint-Gobain's website:

www.saint-gobain.com/

- Investor Day: October 6, 2021.

- Sales for the first nine months of 2021: October 28, 2021, after close of trading on the Paris Bourse.

Analyst/Investor relations		Press relations
Vivien Dardel Floriana Michalowska Christelle Gannage	[phone]  [phone]  [phone]	Patricia Marie Bénédicte Debusschere Susanne Trabitzsch	[phone]   [phone] [phone]

Glossary

- Indicators of organic growth and like-for-like changes in sales/operating income reflect the Group's underlying performance excluding the impact of:

· changes in Group structure, by calculating indicators for the year under review based on the scope of consolidation of the previous half-year period (Group structure impact)

· changes in foreign exchange rates, by calculating indicators for the year under review and those for the previous year based on identical foreign exchange rates for the previous half-year period (currency impact)

· changes in applicable accounting policies

- EBITDA = operating income plus operating depreciation and amortization less non-operating costs

- Operating margin = operating income divided by sales

- Recurring net income = net attributable income excluding capital gains and losses on disposals, asset write-downs and material non-recurring provisions.

- Free cash flow = EBITDA less depreciation of right-of-use assets, plus net financial expense, plus income tax, less capital expenditure excluding additional capacity investments, plus change in working capital requirement over a 12-month period

- Free cash flow conversion ratio = free cash flow divided by EBITDA less depreciation of right-of-use assets

- ESG = Environment, Social, Governance

All indicators contained in this press release (not defined above or in the footnotes) are explained in the notes to the financial statements in the interim financial report, available by clicking here: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/finance/information-reglementee/half-yearly-financial-report

EBITDA    Note 4

Net debt      Note 9 

Non-operating costs      Note 4 

Operating income      Note 4 

Net financial expense    Note 9 

Recurring net income    Note 4 

Business income      Note 4

Working capital requirement    Note 4 

Important disclaimer- forward-looking statements :

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Saint-Gobain's financial condition, results, business, strategy, plans and outlook. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of the words "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "plan" and similar expressions. Although Saint-Gobain believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions as at the time of publishing this document, investors are cautioned that these statements are not guarantees of its future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of Saint-Gobain, including but not limited to the risks described in the "Risk Factors" section of Saint-Gobain's Universal Registration Document available on its website ( www.saint-gobain.com ) . Accordingly, readers of this document are cautioned against relying on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document. Saint-Gobain disclaims any intention or obligation to complete, update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute any offer to purchase or exchange, nor any solicitation of an offer to sell or exchange securities of Saint-Gobain. 

For further information, please visit www.saint-gobain.com .

 

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