DGAP-News: ALTANA reports sales increase in the first half of 2012
(firmenpresse) - DGAP-News: Altana AG / Key word(s): Half Year Results
ALTANA reports sales increase in the first half of 2012
08.08.2012 / 10:15
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ALTANA reports sales increase in the first half of 2012
- Sales rise by 5% in the first six months of the year
- Sound business development in an increasingly uncertain economic
environment
Wesel, August 8, 2012. The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA AG was able to
further increase sales and operating earnings over the first six months of
the current business year. Compared to the strong first half of 2011,
ALTANA's sales rose by 5%, up from EUR840.3 million to EUR886.4 million.
Adjusted for positive exchange rate as well as acquisition effects, sales
came close to the prior-year level. Slightly declining volumes were offset
by price increases and product-mix effects. Earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) improved by 4% to EUR179.6
million, compared to EUR172.9 million in the prior-year period. At 20.3%,
the EBITDA margin remained at a similarly high level as in the first six
months of 2011 (20.6%). At EUR127.1 million, earnings before taxes (EBT)
also remained at the healthy prior-year level (EUR127.0 million).
Development by division and region
The BYK Additives&Instruments division increased sales by 4% to EUR326.0
million in the first six months of 2012, up from EUR314.4 million in the
prior-year period. The ECKART Effect Pigments division recorded a decline
in sales by 3%, with sales of EUR179.1 million compared to prior-year
revenues of EUR184.6 million. Sales of the ELANTAS Electrical Insulation
division rose by 4% to EUR210.7 million up from EUR203.3 million in the
first half of 2011. With a jump in sales of 24%, primarily due to
acquisitions, sales in the ACTEGA Coatings&Sealants division increased
significantly. The division's sales came in at EUR170.6 million, following
EUR138.0 million in the prior year.
The regional sales development within the ALTANA Group was rather
heterogeneous. Sales in North and South America were significantly
increased by 11% compared to the first six months of 2011. This was
attributable to the dynamic regional rise in demand as well as to positive
exchange rate effects. The increase in sales of 4% in Europe resulted from
acquisition effects, while the economic environment increasingly burdened
the development of the company's business. In Asia, the hitherto sluggish
development of demand led to a purely exchange-rate driven increase in
sales of 3%.
'ALTANA is looking back on quite a successful first half of 2012. Despite
the difficult overall economic conditions, we were able to further increase
sales and EBITDA compared to the strong prior-year figures,' stated Dr.
Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG. 'Based on our clear focus on
innovative specialties and our flexible business model we are confident
that we remain able to operate successfully even under ongoing uncertain
and volatile market conditions.'
Outlook
As a result of the increased global economic risks ALTANA anticipates a
further moderation of demand for the second half of the current business
year. Nevertheless, compared to the previous year, we currently expect a
moderate growth in sales for 2012 as a whole. Consequently, the EBITDA
margin should remain within the target range of 18% to 20% in 2012.
Key Figures H1 2012
ALTANA Group January to January to ChangeThis press release is also available at www.altana.com/press
June 2012 June 2011
(in EUR million) in %
Sales 886.4 840.3 5
Earnings before interest, taxes, 179.6 172.9 4
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
Operating income (EBIT) 132.4 131.3 1
Earnings before taxes (EBT) 127.1 127.0 0
Net income (EAT) 89.9 89.8 0
Research and development expenses 50.8 43.1 18
Capital expenditure on intangible assets 35.4 34.2 3
and property, plant and equipment
Headcount (June 30) 5,348 5,023 6
This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current
estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These
statements are based on beliefs of ALTANA as well as assumptions made by
and information currently available to ALTANA. Forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date they are made. ALTANA does not intend, and does
not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect
facts, circumstances or events that have occurred or changed after such
statements have been made.
About ALTANA:
ALTANA develops and produces high-quality, innovative products in the
specialty chemicals business. The ALTANA Group, with headquarters in
Wesel/Germany, is a genuine 'global player' with about 85% of its sales
generated by international activities. The ALTANA Group has four divisions:
BYK Additives&Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical
Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings&Sealants. All of these divisions occupy a
leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product
solution expertise, innovation and service.
ALTANA offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions with the
matching specialty products for coating manufactures, paint and plastics
processors, the printing and cosmetic industries, and the electrical and
electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special
coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds,
impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments.
At present, the ALTANA Group has 41 production facilities and more than 50
service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the group over
5,300 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2011,
ALTANA achieved sales of more than 1.6 billion euros. Its impressive
earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most successful
and innovative chemical groups worldwide.
Contact
Corporate Communications
Sven Kremser
Head of External and Internal Relations
Tel +49 281 670 10303
Heike Dimkos
Corporate Communications
Tel +49 281 670 10302
Fax +49 281 670-10999
press(at)altana.com
www.altana.com/press
ALTANA AG
Abelstraße 43
46483 Wesel
Germany
Tel +49 281 670-8
Fax +49 281 670 10999
info(at)altana.com
www.altana.com
End of financial news
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180844 08.08.2012
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