02-11-2011
Financial information for the year ended december 31, 2010
Net Sales Up 20.8% to €17.9 Billion
Operating income of €1,695 million for a 9.5% operating margin
Conditions are in place to successfully drive a new phase of dynamic growth for Michelin
13.4% increase in sales volumes, led by the Group’s global presence and the rebound in mature markets.
Responsive pricing policy in the face of rising raw materials costs.
Sustained productivity gains and cost discipline.
Strong growth in net income, to €1,049 million.
Robust free cash flow at a time of:
Sharply rebounding demand
Rising raw materials prices
Revitalized capital expenditure
Prepaid contribution to pension plans
Robust return on capital employed, at 10.5%.
Proposed 2010 dividend of €1.78, subject to approval at the Annual Shareholders Meeting of May 13, 2011
Commenting on the Group’s performance, Michel Rollier, Managing Partner, said: “For Michelin, 2010 was a year of strong growth, enhanced manufacturing flexibility and historically high margins. In recent years, we have laid the foundations for a new phase of dynamic growth, built on the dedication and professionalism of our teams, the value of our brands and a clearly strengthened balance sheet.
“Leveraging these improvements, Michelin has embarked on a new phase of faster growth, supported by an unprecedented capital expenditure program, and aims to increase its sales volumes by at least 6.5% in 2011.
“In response to the sharp increase in raw materials costs, the Group will maintain its dynamic pricing policy and, barring any major change in the economic environment, expects to see an increase in operating income in 2011.
In light of our capital expenditure commitments and the increase in raw materials costs, free cash flow is expected to be temporarily negative in 2011. Nevertheless, Michelin confirms its objective of generating positive free cash flow over the entire 2011-2015 period.”