The general state of affairs of the Aurubis Group will remain influenced by a number of factors in fiscal year 2019/20: from the specific demand of certain markets we serve, to the balance of supply and demand of our raw materials, to the state of global affairs and economic development. In this respect, the development of international trade relationships remains a significant factor of uncertainty.
Following the transitional year 2018/19, we expect to be able to demonstrate a higher operating EBT in fiscal year 2019/20. Operating ROCE is also expected to improve slightly compared to the previous year
Forward-looking statements This document contains forward-looking statements about our current forecasts of future events. Words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “predict,” “expect,” “intend,” “can/could,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar terms indicate such forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Some examples include unfavorable developments in the global economic situation, especially political developments in the US, Europe, and China; a tightening of the raw material supply; and a decline in demand in the main copper sales markets. Further risks include a deterioration of our refinancing options on the credit and finance markets; unavoidable events beyond our control, such as natural disasters, acts of terror, political unrest, and industrial accidents, and their effects on our sales, purchasing, production, and financing activities; changes in exchange rates; a drop in acceptance for our products, resulting in impacts on the establishment of prices and the utilization of processing and production capacities; price increases for energy and raw materials; production interruptions due to material bottlenecks, employee strikes, or supplier bankruptcies; the successful implementation of measures to reduce costs and enhance efficiency; the business outlook for our significant holdings; the successful implementation of strategic cooperation and joint ventures; amendments to laws, ordinances, and official regulations; and the outcomes of legal proceedings and other risks and uncertainties, some of which are described in the Risk and Opportunity Report in this Annual Report. If one of these uncertainties or difficulties occurs, or if the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove to be wrong, the actual results could deviate considerably from the results mentioned or implicitly expressed in these statements. We do not intend, nor do we assume the obligation, to update forward-looking statements continuously, as these statements are based solely on the circumstances on the day of publication.