Consolidated net revenue up 15% and EBITDA of R$ 42 million in 1Q14

SAO PAULO, May 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Eternit S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA:ETER3;OTC:ETNTY) announces its results for the 1Q14.

The construction materials industry ended 1Q14 with growth well below the forecast made by the Brazilian Construction Materials Industry Association (ABRAMAT) for the period. Eternit ended the period outperforming the industry, with its chrysotile mining operations functioning at full capacity, while its fiber-cement and concrete tile operations functioning at approximately 80% and 60% capacity, respectively.

In 1Q14, chrysotile asbestos sales reached 74,900 tons, increasing 24.4% from 1Q13 due to the higher demand for fiber-cement roofing in the domestic market and the regular flow of exports in the last quarters. During the same period, fiber-cement sales, including construction solutions, totaled 213,000 tons, increasing 6.2% from 1Q13, while concrete tiles grew 5.4% due to higher demand in this market and to Tegula's strategy of selling its products through construction material stores as well.

In 1Q14, consolidated net revenue amounted to R$ 243.7 million, up 15.3% from 1Q13, due to an appropriate sales policy and the higher sales across its portfolio.

In 1Q14, EBITDA reached R$ 42.4 million, up 9.1% from 1Q13, primarily due to the higher sales volume of chrysotile asbestos, fiber-cement and concrete tiles, an appropriate sales policy and higher exchange variation, which partially offset the increase in the cost of goods sold, which was higher than consolidated net revenue, and the increase in operating expenses. As a result, net income increased 9.4% from 1Q13 to R$ 23.5 million in 1Q14.

In line with the Expansion and Diversification Plan, investments in 1Q14 totaled R$ 29.2 million, 64.3% more than in 1Q13, and mainly went towards the installation of a research, development and production unit for construction material inputs in the state of Amazonas and the maintenance and modernization of the Group's industrial facilities.

Eternit continues to be one of the publicly held corporations in Brazil delivering the highest returns to shareholders. In 2014, its dividend yield was 4.6% and earnings distributed to shareholders totaled R$ 35.8 million.

Conference call/Webcasting
Date: 05/09/14
Time: 11.00 a.m. Brazilian
Local Time – 10.00 a.m. New York – 3.00 p.m. London
Presentation can be followed on the website link www.ccall.com.br/eternit/1q14.htm  or by telephone, dial the following telephone number (1-786) 924-6977 - Password:Eternit
IR Team Contact - +55 (11) 31914-3881/3194-3872 ri@eternit.com.br