Investor FAQ

Alternative Performance Measures

Lonza uses Alternative Performance Measure (APMs) to assess the financial and operational performance at a divisional and group level. These supplementary financial measures should not be viewed in isolation or as alternatives to Lonza’s consolidated financial position and financial results, which are reported in accordance with IFRS. Instead, our APMs are intended to provide a complementary perspective on Lonza’s performance by isolating distorting effects like exchange rate fluctuations or one-time items.

For more detailed information on the applied performance, liquidity and capital measures, refer to Lonza’s 2022 Alternative Performance Measures Report.

Initiation of S&P credit rating

Lonza announced the initiation of a public credit rating with Standard & Poor’s (S&P), which resulted in a BBB+ rating with a stable outlook. Lonza is committed to maintaining a strong investment-grade rating going forward.

Dividend

Lonza's Board of Directors is proposing a dividend for shareholders of CHF 3.50 per share for 2022. The proposal represents a pay-out of 21.4% of 2022 reported profit for the period of Lonza Group (or 25% excluding the gain of divestures). Subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 5 May 2023, 50% of the dividend of CHF 3.50 per share will be paid out of the capital contribution reserve and will therefore be free from Swiss withholding tax.

Dividend payment history

Currency exposure¹

The 2022 currency exposure reflects as follows:

² Includes cost of Goods Sold, CORE SAR and CORE OIE

Hedging policy / foreign exchange management policy and process:

• Focus on natural hedge incl. financing mix
• Centralized FX management
• Short-term profitability and CAPEX hedging programs

Pension benefits

The group operates defined-benefit pension plans in various countries, with the major plans being in Switzerland and Great Britain (these plans are described in Note 22, page 111 of the Financial Report in Lonza’s Annual Report 2022). For pension accounting purposes, these plans are considered as defined-benefit plans.

The significant actuarial assumptions at the reporting date (expressed as weighted averages) were as follows:

 

How much does Lonza spend on research and development (R&D)?

Research & Development (R&D) costs include all primary costs directly related to this function, as well as internal services and imputed depreciation. These costs are incurred for:

• Development of new products and services
• Improvement of existing products and services
• Development of new production processes
• Improvement of existing production processes
• Cost for patents
• Purchase price for product and process know-how to the extent not capitalized

The R&D costs amounted to CHF 194 million (2021: CHF 181 million for continuing operations) and represent the full range of R&D activity. However, the consolidated income statement discloses lower levels of research & development costs, as the remainder of such costs are absorbed in cost of goods sold for R&D products and services sold.

Where are Lonza shares traded?

Shares of Lonza Group Ltd are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Swiss Market Index (SMI). We also maintain a secondary listing on the SGX Singapore Exchange.

What is the stock symbol?

Stock Exchange Listing / Trading:

SIX Swiss Exchange

SGX Singapore Exchange

Common Stock Symbols

Bloomberg LONN SW

Reuters LONN.S

Six Swiss Exchange LONN

SGX Singapore Exchange O6Z

Security Number:

Valor 001384101

ISIN CH0013841017

Lonza's share register contact

Share Register - Registration
c/o Computershare Schweiz AG
P.O. Box
CH-4601 Olten, Switzerland
Tel +41 62 205 7700
Fax +41 62 205 7790

share.register@computershare.ch

How many shares does Lonza have issued?

The share capital on 31 December 2022 comprised 74,468,752 registered shares with a par value of CHF 1 each, amounting to CHF 74,468,752.

¹ Total Group including discontinued operations

What is Lonza doing to protect the environment?

We continually strive to reduce our impact on natural systems and the environment, conserve energy and resources, assure safety, health and wellbeing of our employees and help to improve the quality of life in the communities in which we operate. The aim of our “Vision Zero” initiative is to reduce workplace accidents and injuries, environmental incidents and manufacturing process incidents. Through these and other safety, quality and human resource initiatives, we strive to make meaningful improvements. Programs are developed at site level, in alignment with company priorities and goals. We build multi-year roadmaps to enable continuous improvement, follow-up and reflect the type and impact of the operations over a number of years. In addition, with the commitment for the Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically on Climate Action, Water and Infrastructure we have introduced new or higher ambitions related to our environmental performance.

For more information, please visit our Sustainability Report 2022.

What is Lonza's position on corporate governance?

Lonza has implemented modern corporate governance structures to ensure accountability, responsibility and transparency throughout the Group and for its shareholders. Corporate governance reporting is in compliance with the guidelines of SIX Swiss Exchange. Learn more about Lonza's position on Corporate Governance.