• Revenues reach €1,064 million
• Slight nominal sales decline after streamlining the portfolio
• EBITDA up to €249 million
• Growth forecast for the full-year 2016 confirmed

The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA achieved operating sales growth of 1 percent in the first half of 2016. Due to exchange-rate effects and portfolio adjustment, nominal sales were down by 1 percent to €1,064 million, almost reaching the high level of the previous year (€1,070 million).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew at a double-digit rate, up by 19 percent year-on-year to €249 million (previous year: €210 million). The EBITDA margin reached 23.4 percent, compared to 19.6 percent in the first six months of 2015.

"Even without economic tailwinds we were able to achieve operating growth in the first half of 2016," said
Martin Babilas, CEO of ALTANA AG. "ALTANA is very well positioned for further profitable growth under its own steam."

ALTANA confirms its full-year growth forecast, anticipating operating sales growth in the low single-digit percentage range.

Increase particularly in the BYK Additives & Instruments division

The BYK Additives & Instruments division achieved the most significant increase in sales in the first half of the year, with sales rising by 3 percent to €469 million. This increase was achieved on a purely operating basis. The first-half report does not yet contain the acquisition of Addcomp Holland B.V., which was announced at the beginning of July. Sales in the ECKART Effect Pigments division were up by 1 percent to €181 million, also mainly at operating level. Positive exchange-rate effects had an only minor impact on this development.

The ELANTAS Electrical Insulation division was able to increase total sales volumes in the period under review. However, price/mix effects led to a slight operating sales decline of 1 percent. Due to negative exchange-rate effects, nominal sales were down by 4 percent to €232 million. Sales in the ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division fell by 7 percent to
€182 million, mainly as a result of the sale of the companies of ACTEGA Colorchemie and negative exchange-rate effects. Operating sales fell by 2 percent.

Asia is the fastest-growing market

At 4 percent, ALTANA achieved the highest operating growth rates in Asia. Due to exchange-rate effects, nominal sales increased by 2 percent. In Europe, operating sales were up by 3 percent; nominal growth was 2 percent. In the Americas, both nominal and operating sales were below the previous year’s level, down by 7 percent and 6 percent respectively. This was primarily due to the oil price-related slowdown in demand from customers in the oil and gas industry.

Key figures at a glance

* adjusted for exchange rate as well as acquisition and divestment effects

About ALTANA:

ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.

Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has 49 production facilities and more than 50 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group about 6,000 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2015, ALTANA achieved sales of more than 2 billion euros. About 6 percent of sales are invested in research and development every year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most innovative, fastest growing, and profitable chemical companies in the world.

www.altana.com