|
2015 |
2014 |
||||
|
||||||
Sales |
704 |
729 |
||||
EBITDA before exceptional items |
177 |
171 |
||||
Margin (%) |
25.1 |
23.5 |
||||
EBIT before exceptional items |
127 |
113 |
||||
Margin (%) |
18.0 |
15.5 |
||||
Headcount |
1 748 |
1 790 |
||||
-
Strong demand in North America compensated weaker development in China
-
Profitability improved due to a better mix effect
Sales in the Business Area Catalysis increased by 4% in local currencies (–3% in CHF), fueled by strong growth in Petrochemicals and Syngas. Underlying sales for the Business Area was impacted by the divestment of the Energy Storage business, in February 2015. Excluding this effect Catalysis grew 7% in local currencies.
The EBITDA margin before exceptional items of Catalysis increased to 25.1% (2014: 23.5%) in 2015 due to an improved product mix compared to the previous year.
For 2016, growth in Catalysis should come from new process developments and new products. Partnerships such as CB&I’s Lummus Novolen Technology for polypropylene catalysts will contribute first sales in 2016.
Business area
In 2013 Clariant adjusted its reporting segments and grouped its businesses with similar end-user markets and growth drivers. Today, the company reports in four distinct Business Areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. VIEW ENTIRE GLOSSARY
EBITDA margin
The EBITDA margin is calculated based on the ratio of EBITDA to sales and shows the return generated through operations from sales before depreciation and amortization. VIEW ENTIRE GLOSSARY
Catalyst
A substance that lowers the activation energy, thereby increasing the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed by the reaction itself (Clariant Business Unit Catalysts). VIEW ENTIRE GLOSSARY