Switzerland-based specialty chemical company Clariant has announced full year 2018 sales of CHF6.6bn (~€5.8bn) - a 5% growth on 2017 figures.
Higher volumes and pricing have underpinned this expansion, according to a Clariant press release.
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Sales increased in all of Clariant’s operating regions
Sales increased in all of Clariant’s operating regions
Sales increased in all of Clariant’s operating regions:
- Latin America grew the strongest, by 12%;
- Asia increased by 7%, due to positive development in China and India;
- In North America, sales rose by 5%;
- Both Europe and the Middle East and Africa increased sales by 2%.
Fast fulfilment
Ernesto Occhiello, CEO of Clariant, said: “In 2018, Clariant achieved good sales and profit growth and significantly improved operating cash flow despite an increasingly challenging environment. Going forward, we will continue to identify and address the next challenges and future demands within our respective businesses and those of our customers. This, coupled with best customer experience and fast, reliable customer fulfilment will trigger above-market growth, higher profitability and stronger cash generation.”
In the company’s Plastics and Coatings division, sales rose by 1% in local currency with particularly strong regional expansion in Latin America.
The profitability improvement was attributable to positive contributions from Care Chemicals, Catalysis, and Plastics and Coatings.
The corresponding EBITDA margin before exceptional items advanced to 15.4% from 15.3% in the previous year.
Net debt also decreased to just over CHF1.3bn versus the more than CHF1.5bn of 2017.
The continued improvement in performance allows the Board of Directors to propose a dividend of CHF 0.55 per share to the Annual General Meeting. This sum reflects an increase of 10 % compared to the previous year.
Clariant’s aim is to share it success with its customers through a focus on timely and rewarding innovations, products that are difficult to imitate, sustainability, agility and ethical practices.
