Clariant returns to profitable growth, increasing both sales and profitability in the first quarter of 2021

• Sales from continuing operations increased by 2 % in local currency to CHF 1.002 billion, reflecting a broad recovery in our markets
• EBITDA of CHF 164 million rose by 4 % in Swiss francs, generating a notably improved EBITDA margin at 16.4 % (vs. 15.4 %)
• Pricing actions have been initiated to offset rising raw material and logistics cost
• Outlook 2021 Continuing Operations: moderate local currency sales growth and a step up in EBITDA margin to slightly above pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels

“The first quarter of 2021 demonstrated both Clariant’s return to growth as well as a sequential improvement in the Group’s performance. This progression was achieved through our portfolio of attractive businesses and the disciplined execution of our strategy and performance improvement programs,” said Conrad Keijzer, CEO of Clariant. “I would like to thank our teams for effectively mastering the current challenges amidst the continued COVID-19 pandemic; rising raw material cost as well as disruptions in supply chains. In 2021, we strive to make an important step up in our performance and expect Clariant to achieve moderate sales growth in local currency and a recovery in EBITDA margins to slightly above pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. With our partnership with India Glycols Limited for green surfactants, we continue to advance our portfolio transformation toward a higher specialty value business.”

Key Financial Data

Continuing operations					First Quarter
in CHF million					2021	2020	% CHF	% LC
Sales					1 002	1 019	-2	2
EBITDA					164	157	4
- margin					16.4 %	15.4 %
EBITDA before exceptional items					168	163	3
- margin					16.8 %	16.0 %

First Quarter 2021 – Progression towards mid-term targets