- Positive course of business due to successful new business and growth outside Europe.
- Adjustment of forecast for net sales and result 2012.
- Ordinary dividend payment of CHF 7 per share.
- Positive course of business due to successful new business and growth outside Europe.
- Adjustment of forecast for net sales and result 2012.
- Ordinary dividend payment of CHF 7 per share.
In the first half-year of 2012, the EMS Group, globally active in the business areas High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals and with its companies combined in EMS CHEMIE HOLDING AG, achieved an increase in net sales of 4.0% (in local currencies: +5.6%) and a 6.9% higher net operating income (EBIT) compared to the previous year.
Consolidated net sales amounted to CHF 904 million (870), which is 4.0% higher than in the previous year. Net sales in local currencies increased by 5.6%. Successfully realised new business and positive business developments in the USA and Asia more than compensated for the effect of the declining economy in Europe. EMS generates more than 95% of its net sales outside of Switzerland and 43% of its net sales outside of Europe.
Net operating income (EBIT) amounted to CHF 167 million (156) which is 6.9% above the previous year. The EBITDA increased to CHF 191 million (182) and by 5.1% compared to the prior year. The EBIT margin was 18.5% (18.0%), the EBITDA margin 21.2% (20.9%). Growth achieved with high-margin specialty products in the area of High Performance Polymers lead to a pleasing increase in both result and result margin.
At the Annual General Meeting of EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, the Board of Directors will propose re-election of the current Board Members and Statutory Auditor as well as an ordinary dividend of CHF 7.00 per share.
Despite the difficult market environment, EMS is confident regarding its own business development and is now expecting net sales and net operating income (EBIT) in 2012 to be slightly above those of the previous year.