Third-quarter report 2018 (January - September 2018) of the EMS Group

- Pleasing growth of net sales and result despite a weakening global economy

- Supply shortages for raw materials lead to further price increases

05.10.2018

The EMS Group, with its companies combined in the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, is globally active in the business areas High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals. In the first nine months of 2018, net sales rose by 10.8% compared to previous year to reach CHF 1,770 Mio. (1,598).

As expected, the global economy showed overall positive development. Meanwhile, however, increased signs of a global slowing are becoming apparent. Political conflicts and new trade restrictions are slowing the economy. In the automotive industry, delayed model approvals and uncertainty with regard to future political framework conditions can be noticed. Supply chains are being adapted. Various global companies are cautious regarding their forecasts.

In the meantime, some raw material markets are suffering from supply shortages, driving prices significantly higher. The high oil price is also supporting these tendencies. Many countries are already showing substantial inflation rates for manufacturing costs.

Due to general uncertainty, world currencies dropped against the Swiss Franc in the third quarter. This had a negative impact on net sales growth in Swiss Francs.

EMS was able to generate substantial innovative new business and to achieve pleasing growth in all regions with profitable specialities. In the third quarter again, EMS was able to keep up the disproportionally high volume growth of the first half of the year compared to the overall market. In preparation for a possible slowing down of the economy, EMS already started efficiency programmes at the beginning of this year.

For the whole year 2018, EMS continues to expect net sales and net operating income (EBIT) slightly above the previous year.

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