Clariant AG

Clariant confirms outlook on solid Q2 results - Seite 2

Robust sales growth of 6% in local currencies was heavily impacted by the unfavorable development of the US dollar and the Japanese yen, as well as important emerging market currencies - predominantly the Brazilian real, and the Indian rupee. The negative effect from those currencies translated into sales growth of -1% in Swiss francs.

Clariant achieved local currency growth in all of its regions, led by Latin America with 13% higher sales due to robust development in all four Business Areas and despite a weakening trend in Brazil. Asia/Pacific gained 9% in local currencies, driven by sales increases of 16% in China and 15% in India. Sales growth in North America recovered from the impact of a harsh winter in the first quarter and grew 6% in local currencies. Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) returned to growth in the second quarter, adding 2%. Within EMEA, the Middle East & Africa region developed in-line with the other emerging markets and added 15%, while Europe dragged down sales growth, decreasing 1%. Europe lost steam in the second quarter, indicating that the recovery of the European economy remains fragile.

All Business Areas achieved mid- to high single-digit sales growth in local currencies in the second quarter. Care Chemicals reported 3% growth in local currencies on the back of solid growth in both Consumer Care and Industrial Applications. Catalysis & Energy continued to grow with 5% higher sales, also due to an improvement in the Energy Storage business. In Natural Resources, both the Oil & Mining Services and Functional Minerals businesses contributed to a 9% sales increase. In the Plastics & Coatings Business Area, solid growth was realized in all three businesses Additives, Masterbatches, and Pigments, resulting in sales growth of 6% in local currencies.

At 29.5%, the gross margin slightly improved from the 29.3% recorded in the prior-year period. Better capacity utilization and 1% higher sales prices more than offset a negative currency impact.

EBITDA before exceptional items from continuing operations rose 9% in local currencies to CHF 214 million. This compares to CHF 211 million in the second quarter of 2013. The corresponding EBITDA margin improved to 14.0% versus 13.7%. The increase in margin resulted from a higher gross margin and lower selling, general, and administrative costs that more than compensated for a 1.5-percentage-point negative impact from unfavorable exchange rate developments.