Clariant reveals results: ‘significant’ growth increase

In local currency of Swiss francs, the company saw its sales jump to CHF 6.377 billion, with net income climbing by 15% to reach CHF 302 million.

EBITDA before exceptional items also improved significantly by 10 % to CHF 974 million.

“Clariant delivered exemplary top-line growth and absolute EBITDA improvement in 2017​,” said CEO Hariolf Kottmann. “The results are particularly encouraging as all Business Areas contributed to this expansion. ​

"Clariant continues to consistently and successfully deliver on its strategy and is well on track to achieve its goals. ​

"We are making progress based mainly on our innovation and sustainability positioning. For 2018, we are confident that we will further grow in local currency, operating cash flow and profitability."​

Middle East, Africa and Europe focus, as well as Asia​

For the full year, sales growth in local currency was strongest in Asia, the Middle East & Africa and Europe for Clariant.

Sales in Asia rose by 12%, lifted by a ‘remarkable sales development’ in China, Southeast Asia and Japan. Sales growth in the Middle East & Africa was 15 % and in Europe 7%.

Forward looking: optimistic outlook​

Clariant expects the good economic environment in mature markets, which represent a high comparable base, to continue.

The company says that emerging markets are expected to be supportive with Latin America, where sales were flat in the past year, showing signs of a recovery.

“For 2018, Clariant is confident to be able to achieve growth in local currency, as well as progression in operating cash flow, absolute EBITDA and EBITDA margin before exceptional items.​

“Clariant confirms its mid-term target of reaching a position in the top tier of the specialty chemicals industry​.”