The specialty chemicals company ALTANA AG substantially increased sales and earnings in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the prior year. In the period from January until September, sales rose by 7 percent from €985.3 million to €1,053.8 million. Adjusted for negative exchange rate as well as minor positive acquisition effects, operating growth was 9 percent. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 18 percent from €163.5 million to €192.1 million in the first nine months of 2007. All divisions contributed to the growth in earnings with significant growth rates.
Strong performance in all divisions
All four divisions contributed to the positive growth in sales and earnings.
The BYK Additives & Instruments division posted an increase of 7 percent on the prior-year's period, with sales rising from €316.8 million to €340.4 million. EBITDA also increased by 7 percent, from €95.8 million to €102.4 million.
Sales of ECKART Effect Pigments climbed from €254.6 million to €274.9 million, corresponding to an increase of 8 percent EBITDA improved significantly by 25 percent, climbing from €53.0 million to €66.1 million.
ELANTAS Electrical Insulation’s sales went up from €245.7 million in the prior-year’s period to €267.5 million; this translates into an increase of 9 percent. EBITDA was up from €33.7 million to €40.3 million, an increase of 20 percent.
The ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division achieved an increase of about 2 percent, with sales growing from €168.2 million to €171.0 million. At 11 percent, EBITDA grew significantly stronger from €18.0 million to €20.0 million.