Siegfried's Continued Upward Trend

March 06, 2012 --

- In 2011 Siegfried achieved a gratifying result in a demanding market environment

- The company succeeded to distinctly increase sales and profitability and to achieve a net profit.

- After two years without paying a dividend, the Board of Directors proposes paying of CHF 1.00 per share.

- Without the strong appreciation of the Swiss franc compared to the Euro and the US dollar, Siegfried’s key performance indicators would have been clearly more positive

- In 2011, Siegfried further strengthened its competitive situation and established itself as a flexible, reliable and competent supplier and outsourcing partner of the Life Science industry

- The company aims to further strengthen its competitive situation and make significant progress in terms of cost structure and earnings power by means of three strategic priorities: backward integration in Asia, entry into sterile filling, and enhancement of the technological basis

- Siegfried expects continued improvement in 2012 of its key operating performance indicators

The Siegfried Group reported gratifying results for the 2011 financial year despite a demanding market environment. The company’s sales grew also in terms of Swiss francs and profitability increased distinctly. Moreover, Siegfried returned to a net profit. Based on these results and on the sound business development, the Board of Directors proposes to pay out CHF 1.00 per share following two years without dividend payout.

The Siegfried Group generated sales of CHF 328.1 million for the 2011 financial year, representing a growth of 4.4% in terms of Swiss francs. In local currencies, sales grew by 15.6%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to CHF 41.0 million (+ 11.9%), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 12.5%. Decisive growth (+ 116%) was achieved in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), which amounted to CHF 11.6 million, or 3.5% of sales. Adjusted for currencies, Siegfried reports an EBIT margin of 4.6%. The resulting net profit of CHF 9.6 million corresponds to earnings per share of CHF 2.61. Without the strong appreciation of the Swiss franc, Siegfried’s key indicators would have been clearly more positive. Net working capital remained at a low CHF 122.2 million. The 14.5% rate of return on capital employed (ROCE) shows that a good performance was achieved with committed resources. At year-end Siegfried reported cash holdings of CHF 52.6 million.

In view of the good results and the sound financial situation, the Board of Directors proposes paying of CHF 1.00 per registered share from the capital contribution reserve. Rudolf Hanko, CEO, said: “In 2011, Siegfried made clear operational progress and achieved a gratifying result. We have returned to profitability, improved our market position and increased efficiency at high capacity utilization. Moreover, we are working on our strategic targets at full speed”.

All production facilities operating at high capacity utilization

Siegfried achieved growth in exclusive synthesis and in the production of portfolio active pharmaceutical ingredients (controlled substances). Sales in both fields each grew by about 10% in Swiss francs or approximately 20% in local currencies. Siegfried reported a sales decline of 18% (or 11% in local currencies) in the field of finished drugs as some of the main pillars of sales in this field are reaching the end of their product life cycle, and their sales contribution has not yet been fully substituted by new products. However, renewal of the portfolio is running on schedule.

The gratifying sales development is reflected by high capacity utilization at all Siegfried production facilities. In Zofingen, large segments of production switched to a 7-day/24-hour cycle, and in Pennsville, USA, the production plants were in operation six days a week on average. In Malta, the workforce was increased considerably in view of the introduction of an important product in 2012. Thanks to across-the-board cost discipline, the rising sales had a correspondingly positive effect on the financial results.

Continued improvement of earnings situation expected

Within the parameters of strategy implementation, Siegfried will continue to focus on three areas to secure its competitive position over the long term: backward integration in Asia, entry into sterile filling, and enhancement of the technological basis.

Despite demands made by the market and a continuing pressure on prices, Siegfried expects sales in 2012 in local currencies to develop at a stable rate. Higher capacity utilization and increased efficiency will further improve operating results.

Changes in the Board of Directors

Thomas Staehelin, Vice-Chairman of Siegfried’s Board of Directors, will resign from the Board on the occasion of the annual general meeting scheduled for April 20, 2012. After 21 years of service, he will not stand for reelection. All other Board members will stand for reelection for a further one-year period of office. The Board of Directors will propose no further nominations.

For further information:

Financial Analysts:

Michael Hüsler, CFO

michael.huesler@siegfried.ch

Tel. +41 (0)62 746 11 35

Media:

Peter A. Gehler, Head Corporate Center

peter.gehler@siegfried.ch

+41 (0)62 746 11 44

Siegfried Holding AG

Untere Brühlstrasse 4

CH-4800 Zofingen

Tel. +41 (0)62 746 11 11

Fax +41 (0)62 746 11 03

www.siegfried.ch

About Siegfried

The Siegfried Group is active worldwide in the field of Life Sciences with production facilities located in Switzerland, Malta and the USA. At the end of 2011, Siegfried employed approximately 700 employees and reported annual sales of CHF 328 million. Siegfried Holding AG is listed on the Swiss Exchange (SIX: SFZN).

Siegfried is active in both the primary and secondary production of drugs. The company develops and manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients for the research-based pharmaceutical industry as well as the corresponding intermediate steps and controlled substances, and provides development and production services for drugs in finished dosage forms.

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