YIT aims for more focused, balanced and profitable growth

YIT AIMS FOR MORE FOCUSED, BALANCED AND PROFITABLE GROWTH

YIT Corporation’s Board of Directors confirmed the Group’s strategy for 2013–2014 at its meeting on September 20, 2012.

The main goal of the strategy is more focused, balanced and profitable growth. The Group’s strategic long-term targets remain unchanged:

• Average annual revenue growth of more than 10 per cent
• Return on investment of 20 percent
• Operating cash flow after investments sufficient for dividend payout and reduction of debt
• Equity ratio of 35 percent
• Dividend payout ratio of 40–60 percent of net profit for the period.

The target levels are based on figures reported on the basis of the percentage of completion in accordance with the current emphasis. When determining the target levels, the assumption was made that economic growth in YIT’s market areas will continue.

In business operations, YIT continues to focus on growth in residential construction as well as building systems service and maintenance. Growth is sought through acquisitions as well as organically. Particular focus areas still include residential construction in Russia and building services in Germany.

To support its strategic goals, YIT has launched three development programmes, which focus on energy-efficient solutions, the best living experience and building service efficiency. Building Services Northern Europe will focus especially on improving profitability and strengthening the cash flow. During the strategy period Building Services Central Europe will seek to strengthen its position particularly in large Design & Build projects. In residential construction, YIT will invest in creating innovative solutions and strengthening its forerunner status. In Construction Services Finland, the company will respond to customer demand by increasing particularly the production of affordable housing during the strategic period.

YIT aims to further expand in the German speaking areas in building services. In International Construction Services, the company focuses on expanding in Russia.

Capital Markets Day

YIT will organise a Capital Markets Day for investors and analysts in Aachen, Germany, on Tuesday, 25 September 2012. The event will focus on YIT’s strategy and strategic business focus areas, and will feature presentations by management and a visit to the company’s R&D centre in Aachen. The event will begin at 8.00 a.m. local time (CEST), which is 9.00 a.m. Finnish time (EEST).

More information is available on YIT’s website at www.yitgroup.com/investors.

Webcast

The presentation by President and CEO Juhani Pitkäkoski can be followed as a live webcast through a live webcast at www.yitgroup.com/webcast. The live webcast will begin at 8:00 a.m. local time (CEST) i.e. at 9:00 a.m. Finnish time (EEST). A recording of the webcast will be available at the same address at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time.

Conference call

During the CEO’s presentation, investors and analyst can also participate in the event via a conference call. Participants are requested to call the designated number +44 (0)20 7162 0077 at least five minutes before the event begins, i.e. at 7:55 a.m. local time.

All questions during the webcast and conference call should be communicated in English.

Presentation materials

All presentations held during the Capital Market Day will be available in English on September 25, 2012 at approximately 7.30 a.m. local time at www.yitgroup.com/investors.

Schedule in different time zones:

For additional information, please contact: 

Sakari Toikkanen, Senior Vice President, Business Development, YIT Corporation, tel. +358 20 433 2336, sakari.toikkanen@yit.fi
Hanna-Maria Heikkinen, Vice President, Investor Relations, YIT Corporation, tel. +358 20 433 2635, hanna-maria.heikkinen@yit.fi

YIT CORPORATION

Hanna-Maria Heikkinen
Vice President, Investor Relations

Distribution: NASDAQ OMX, principal media, www.yitgroup.com

YIT celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012. The company was established in the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1912. Today, YIT is a leading European service company in building systems, construction services and services for industry. Our 26,000 professionals serve customers in 14 countries in the Nordic and Baltic countries, Russia and Central Europe. We have grown together with our customers and developed our services in line with the changes taking place in different societies. We intend to continue on that track. Our vision is to lead the way in creating and maintaining good living environments. In 2011, YIT’s revenue was approximately EUR 4.4 billion. YIT’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.yitgroup.com