With its companies combined in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG and with global activities in the business areas Performance Polymers and Fine Chemicals / Engineering, the EMS Group achieved 10.8% higher net sales and 10.9% higher net operating income (EBIT) in the first half of 2007 compared to the previous year. This result is in the upper range of company expectations.
With its companies combined in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG and with global activities in the business areas Performance Polymers and Fine Chemicals / Engineering, the EMS Group achieved 10.8% higher net sales and 10.9% higher net operating income (EBIT) in the first half of 2007 compared to the previous year. This result is in the upper range of company expectations.
Consolidated net sales rose by 10.8% to CHF 783 million (706), an increase of 8.9% in local currencies. Further growth was achieved with speciality products in the main business area Performance Polymers. The positive economic situation in main sales markets Europe and Asia had a further impact on the course of business.
Net operating income (EBIT) was boosted by 10.9% over the previous year to CHF 134 million (120), EBITDA by 10.2% to CHF 161 million (146). The EBIT margin amounted therefore to 17.1% (17.1%), the EBITDA margin to 20.6% (20.7%). Despite a continual increase in raw material costs for the Performance Polymers business area, a further increase of net operating income (EBIT) was achieved.
As a result of further successful sales of shares in the LONZA investment in the first half of 2007, EMS intends to increase the special dividend announced in February 2007 from CHF 2.15 to CHF 2.50. EMS consequently will pay a total dividend of CHF 8.00 in August 2007.
EMS remains confident for the course of business in 2007. Growth of net sales and net operating income (EBIT) against the previous year are expected to be in the high single-digit percentage range.
