Catalysis key figures in CHF m

 

 

2016

 

2015

Sales

 

673

 

704

EBITDA before exceptional items

 

160

 

177

Margin (%)

 

23.8

 

25.1

EBIT before exceptional items

 

113

 

127

Margin (%)

 

16.8

 

18.0

Full time equivalent (FTE)

 

1 548

 

1 748

  • Sales decline in local currency due to lower demand in North America and Asia
  • before exceptional items declines due to portfolio mix and project delays at customer level

In this transition year 2016, sales in the Catalysis declined by 8% in local currency and by 4% in Swiss francs in 2016. The decline in sales was due to the continued soft demand in Asia as a result of project delays and a lower demand in North America which had a high comparable base against the previous year. The lower demand could not be offset by a good sales development in other regions.

The EBITDA margin before of Catalysis decreased to 23.8% in the full year of 2016 which is slightly below our margin guidance. The decline was due to a slow-down in demand and a lower contribution of Specialty .

Even though for 2016 we saw a demand contraction in Catalysis as a result of the weak economic environment, fundamentals in the mid- to long-term remain positive based on Clariant’s portfolio strength, innovation capability, global footprint, and growing partnerships. Partnerships include the CB&I’s Lummus Novolen Technology for polypropylene catalysts. The inauguration of a new plant took place in the fourth quarter of 2016 and first revenues are expected in the first quarter of 2017.

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

Business area

In 2013 Clariant adjusted its reporting segments and grouped its businesses with similar end-user markets and growth drivers into four distinct Business Areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. VIEW ENTIRE GLOSSARY

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are defined as non-recurring costs or income that have a significant impact on the result, for example expenses related to restructuring measures. 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

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