Clariant with a good start into 2016 - improved sales and increased profitability

Clariant AG / Clariant with a good start into 2016 - improved sales and increased profitability . Processed and transmitted by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

First quarter 2016 sales from continuing operations increased

            3 % in local currencies to CHF 1.478 billion

• EBITDA margin before exceptional items improved to 15.5 % from 14.1 %
• 2016 outlook confirmed: continued progression in operating cash flow and EBITDA margin before exceptional items

   

"Clariant had a good start into the year with solid sales growth and profitability improvement," said CEO Hariolf Kottmann. "All our business areas performed well in the current mixed global economic environment and significantly expanded their EBITDA margins. This positive development in all business areas was achieved by a positive mix effect in our higher margin Business Areas as well as the first impact of the differentiated business steering in Plastics & Coatings. For 2016, we are on track to achieve our targets despite the continued challenging economic environment."

  
Key Financial Data

	First Quarter
in CHF million	2016	2015	% CHF		% LC
Sales	1'478	1'465		1	3
EBITDA before exceptional items	229	206		11	16
- margin	15.5%	14.1%

First quarter 2016 - further improvement in profitability