With its companies combined in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG and with global activities in the fields of Performance Polymers and Fine Chemicals / Engineering, the EMS Group reports significantly increased net sales and operating income and has thus exceeded expectations. Higher net sales volumes and the successfully implemented cost-cutting program had a positive impact. Net income increased over the previous year by 71.6%.
With its companies combined in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG and with global activities in the fields of Performance Polymers and Fine Chemicals / Engineering, the EMS Group reports significantly increased net sales and operating income and has thus exceeded expectations. Higher net sales volumes and the successfully implemented cost-cutting program had a positive impact. Net income increased over the previous year by 71.6%.
Net sales in Swiss francs rose by 3.8% over the previous year to CHF 1 267 million (1 221). The increase in local currencies amounted to 4.3%. In an identical scope of consolidation the net sales increase in Swiss francs would be 6.7% (7.3% in local currencies).
Operating income (EBIT) was boosted by 10.4% over the previous year to CHF 218 million (197). EBITDA grew by 8.3% to CHF 288 million (266). Both the EBIT and the EBITDA margins recorded gains, the EBIT margin to 17.2% (16.2%) and the EBITDA margin to 22.7% (21.8%).
Financial income amounted to CHF 16 million (-58).
Net income for the year after taxes and minority interests increased by 71.6% to CHF 183 million (107). Income per dividend-ranking registered share thus amounts to CHF 7.33 (4.10). EMS plans to distribute a dividend of CHF 4.-- per share for the 2004 business year.
EMS is proceeding with the current strategy of consistent concentration on operational growth through speciality products, with specific focus on Performance Polymers. In 2005 and within the scope of this strategy, significant resources have been earmarked for the expansion of world-wide sales and development capacities.
Within the process of concentration on Performance Polymers, exclusive- synthesis specialist EMS-DOTTIKON is to be spun off and listed on the stock exchange during 2005.
In a comparable scope of consolidation, EMS expects slightly higher net sales and operating income (EBIT) for 2005.
