Clariant with good start into 2015, delivering on growth and cash flow

Clariant AG / Clariant with good start into 2015, delivering on growth and cash flow . Processed and transmitted by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

First quarter 2015 sales from continuing operations increased 4 % in local currencies. In Swiss francs, sales decreased 2 % to CHF 1.465 billion from CHF 1.492 billion

EBITDA margin before exceptional items at previous year's level  of 14.1 %

Cash Flow improved to CHF 14 million compared to
CHF -51 million in first quarter 2014

Net result from continuing operations at CHF 87 million compared to net loss of CHF 39 million

2015 outlook confirmed

   

"Clariant had a good start into the year with good volume growth," said CEO Hariolf Kottmann. "We put the highest priority in 2015 on improving our cash flow generation and we delivered a substantial increase in the first quarter. We are well on track to achieve our growth and profitability targets despite an increased volatility in currencies, volatile raw material prices and a sluggish economic environment particularly in Europe and China."

Key Financial Data

Continuing operations:		First Quarter
In CHF million	2015		2014	%CHF	%LC
Sales	1 465		1 492	-2	4
EBITDA before exceptional items	206		210	-2	8
- margin	14.1 %		14.1 %
EBIT before exceptional items	142		140	1	13
- margin	9.7 %		9.4 %
EBIT	139		41	239	269
Net result from continuing operations	87		-39
Net income/ loss1	87		-48
Operating cash flow1	14		-51
Number of employees 1	17 208		17 003*
Discontinued operations:
Sales	0		66
Net result from discontinued operations	0		-9

¹ Total Group, including discontinued operations