Business development 2012

In 2012, the EMS Group, globally active in the business areas High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals and with its companies combined in EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG, increased net sales by 5.9% and net operating income (EBIT) by 8.4% compared to the previous year. This means that net sales and net operating income (EBIT) again reached new record levels.

Consolidated net sales in Swiss Francs increased by 5.9% compared to the previous year to reach CHF 1,755 million (1,658), while the increase in local currencies was 4.9%. Successfully realised new business and a strong increase in net sales outside of Europe led to this positive growth despite increasingly difficult market conditions in Europe. Market positions in all geographical markets were further strengthened.

Net operating income (EBIT) increased to CHF 319 million (294), 8.4% above the previous year. Operational cash flow (EBITDA) increased to CHF 373 million (346), which is 7.8% above the previous year. The pleasing increase in result and result margin was primarily due to successful additional business with high-margin specialty products in the area of High Performance Polymers. The EBIT margin increased to 18.2% (17.7%), the EBITDA margin to 21.2% (20.9%).

Net financial income was CHF 3 million (1).

Net income closed 12.7% above the previous year at CHF 273 million (242). Earnings per share increased to CHF 11.42 (10.14).

For the business year 2012, EMS plans to distribute an ordinary dividend of CHF 7.50 (7.00) per share and an additional extraordinary dividend of CHF 2.50 per share. This means that a total of CHF 10.00 (7.00) per share would be distributed.

For the business year 2013, EMS is expecting differing economic developments in the various geographical markets: While the markets in Asia and North America may develop in a positive way, increasing unemployment and structural problems of competitiveness in Western Europe will have a negative effect on consumer behaviour and the investment mood.

EMS will continue its successful strategy of growth with speciality products in the area of High Performance Polymers. In order to push medium-term growth even more consistently, EMS will launch a sales and development offensive throughout the world and will significantly expand the corresponding human resources.

For 2013, EMS expects net sales and net operating income (EBIT) slightly above those of the previous year.