Revenue up 6 percent to €3.97 billion, mainly driven by pricing actions
EBITDA 3 percent lower at €423 million (2011: €437 million), as weaker end markets and cost inflation impacted results
Net income from continuing operations €70 million (2011: €132 million), due to higher incidental charges
Cash from operating activities was impacted by a one-time pension payment and seasonal build-up of operating working capital
Adjusted EPS €0.63 (2011: €0.72)
Performance improvement program on track
Economic environment and certain raw materials remain principal sensitivities in 2012

Q1 2012 in € million
Q1 2011 Q1 2012 D%
Revenue 3,762 3,972 6
EBITDA 437 423 (3)
EBITDA margin (in %) 11.6 10.6
Net income continuing operations 132 70

Akzo Nobel N.V. (AkzoNobel) today reported a 6 percent increase in first quarter revenue compared with the same period in 2011, mainly driven by pricing actions to offset higher raw material costs. The EBITDA for Q1 was 3 percent lower at €423 million, due to weaker end markets and cost inflation. The company also announced that its global performance improvement program is on track.

Overall raw material prices remain a challenge. Looking forward, the company expects the higher oil and TiO2 prices on average to have an inflationary impact.

Cash from operating activities was impacted by a one-time pension payment and the seasonal build-up of operating working capital.

Decorative Paints achieved a revenue increase of 4 percent in the first quarter, primarily driven by margin management in weak markets. Lower volumes impacted EBITDA, particularly in North America which benefited last year from a one-time positive customer load-in. Restructuring and cost reduction actions are underway in Europe and North America to offset weaker demand.

In Performance Coatings, revenue increased 11 percent and EBITDA was up 15 percent compared with the previous year. Industrial Coatings - boosted by acquisition activity - achieved the strongest growth, followed by Marine and Protective Coatings. Although overall activity levels were flat, there was significant variability between individual segments.

Specialty Chemicals revenue was up 4 percent, mainly due to the Boxing Oleochemicals acquisition and a positive price/mix effect. EBITDA was 2 percent lower, reflecting different trading conditions in certain businesses.

CEO Hans Wijers
"We are continuing to focus on performance improvement. Our global margin management efforts are also proving successful as we continue to mitigate the adverse effects of higher raw material costs. However, our volumes were down slightly, reflecting the volatile nature of the economic conditions. Despite these challenges, we have solid fundamentals, renowned brands and a strong geographic spread. Furthermore, the ongoing performance improvement program shows that we are taking the right steps towards achieving our medium-term ambitions."

Business area highlights
Decorative Paints
Q1 2011 Q1 2012 D%
Revenue 1,196 1,242 4
EBITDA 90 76 (16)
EBITDA margin (in %) 7.5 6.1

Performance Coatings
Q1 2011 Q1 2012 D%
Revenue 1,237 1,369 11
EBITDA 143 164 15
EBITDA margin (in %) 11.6 12.0

Specialty Chemicals
Q1 2011 Q1 2012 D%
Revenue 1,351 1,399 4
EBITDA 241 235 (2)
EBITDA margin (in %) 17.8 16.8

The 2012 Q1 report can be downloaded via the AkzoNobel Report iPad app http://bit.ly/obljrf or read online at www.akzonobel.com/quarterlyresults.



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