ALTANA Remains on Growth Path in Increasingly Challenging Environment in 2018

In 2018, ALTANA remained on the growth path in a difficult market environment. Sales rose by 3% to €2,307 million. Adjusted for acquisition and exchange-rate effects, sales increased by 4%.
 
The 2018 fiscal year was characterized by varying dynamics. In the first half of the year, ALTANA continued its growth, which was accompanied by an appealing margin development despite rising raw materials prices. But in the second half of the year, the demand in important user markets, including the automotive industry, was significantly more subdued. At the same time, accelerated raw materials price increases led to high margin pressure.
 
Due to declining contribution margins, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were down by 8% from the high level of the previous year to €431 million. At 18.7%, the EBITDA margin reached the target range of 18% to 20% again in 2018.
 
“Despite the challenging market environment, we achieved our ambitious sales targets. This shows that ALTANA is in a strong position with its consistent customer proximity as well as innovative products and technologies,” says Martin Babilas, CEO of ALTANA AG. “In order to ply a safe course even in troubled waters, we are continuing to make strong investments in the future. In doing so, we are focusing, in addition to research and development for our customers in our core business, increasingly on digitalization and new technologies.”
 
The largest division, BYK, increased its sales by 3% to €1,066 million. Adjusted for acquisition and exchange-rate effects, sales were up by 4%. At ECKART, nominal sales decreased by 1% to €383 million. Adjusted for acquisition and exchange-rate effects, sales climbed by 1%.
 
With sales up by 4% (nominal and operating), the ELANTAS division achieved a sales volume of €507 million. At ACTEGA, nominal sales grew by 3% to €353 million. Adjusted for acquisition and exchange-rate effects, the sales growth was twice as high (6%).
 
The ALTANA Group’s regional sales distribution was balanced again in 2018. Europe accounted for 38% of sales, Asia for 33%, and the Americas for 27%. In 2018, Asia recorded once more the strongest sales growth. Nominal sales grew by 5% and operating sales growth was 6%. In China, the ALTANA Group’s largest single market in the region and its second-largest market in the world, nominal sales increased by 6% and operating sales by 5%.
 
In Europe, nominal sales were up 3% and, adjusted for acquisition and exchange-rate effects, 2%. On the American market, nominal sales remained the same as in the previous year, while operating sales showed a 3% increase. Nominal sales in the US, the ALTANA Group’s largest single market, remained at the same level as in the previous year. Adjusted for exchange- rate effects and acquisitions, sales were 2% higher.
 
The 2019 fiscal year is expected to remain challenging. ALTANA anticipates a weaker global economic performance. Sales volumes are thus expected to develop moderately, and operating sales growth should come in between 1% and 5%. The EBITDA margin should remain approximately on the level of the previous year and therefore within the strategic target range between 18% and 20%.