Outlook, risk report and opportunity report

Outlook

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements and information given below are based on the Company’s current expectations and assessments. Consequently, they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors, several of which are beyond the control of the KION Group, affect the Group’s business activities and profitability. Any unexpected developments in the global economy would result in the KION Group’s performance and profits differing significantly from those forecast below. The KION Group does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances. Furthermore, the KION Group cannot guarantee that future performance and actual profits generated will be consistent with the stated assumptions and estimates and can accept no liability in this regard.

Actual business performance may deviate from the forecasts due, among other factors, to the opportunities and risks described in the 2015 group management report. Performance particularly depends on macroeconomic and industry-specific conditions and may be negatively affected by increasing uncertainty or a worsening of the economic and political situation.

Expected business performance

Given its good business and earnings performance in the first quarter of 2016, the KION Group is confirming the outlook for 2016 as a whole that was published in the 2015 group management report.

In 2016, the Group aims to build on its successful performance in 2015 and, based on the forecasts for market growth, achieve further increases in order intake, revenue and adjusted EBIT. Order intake is expected to be between €5,350 million and €5,500 million. The target figure for consolidated revenue is in the range of €5,200 million to €5,350 million. The KION Group predicts higher volumes of revenue and orders, particularly in western Europe.

The targeted range for adjusted EBIT is €510 million to €535 million. The adjusted EBIT margin is predicted to increase above the margin of 9.5 per cent that was generated in 2015. This improvement will stem from significant positive effects, such as a further increase in the efficiency of the production network. Free cash flow is expected to be in a range between €280 million and €320 million after taking account of the acquisition of Retrotech Inc. ROCE is expected to go up slightly. The forecast is based on the assumption that material prices will hold steady and the current exchange rate environment will remain as it is.

Opportunity and risk report

The KION Group’s overall risk and opportunity situation has not changed significantly compared with the description in the 2015 group management report. As things stand at present, there are no indications of any risks that could jeopardise the Company’s continuation as a going concern.