Third-quarter report 2013 (January - September 2013) of the EMS Group

Course of business January - September 2013

With its companies consolidated in the EMS-CHEMIE HOLDING AG and with global activities in the business areas of High Performance Polymers and Specialty Chemicals, the EMS Group increased net sales in the first nine months of 2013 by +7.0% compared to the previous year. In the main area of High Performance Polymers net sales rose by +10.1% compared to the previous year.

As expected, sales markets worldwide developed in very different ways. While in the third quarter of the year industrial production in Europe suffered a further decrease, Asian and American markets overall developed in a positive way.

EMS increased its net sales in all regions of the world. Overall, net sales amounted to CHF 1,441 million (1,346), representing an increase of +7.0% compared to the previous year. In local currencies growth was +8.3%, with the same scope of consolidation* +3.6%. Business in the main area of High Performance Polymers showed a growth of +10.1% (in local currencies +11.6%, with the same scope of consolidation* +6.0%). Successfully realised new specialty business more than compensated for the market-related sales drop in Europe. Numerous new polymer applications for structural parts were realised. The global automotive supplier EFTEC further expanded its market position.

For the coming months, EMS is expecting the economic situation to remain favourable. In Europe the downturn may gradually reach the bottom. Growth in Asia and North America may become slower.

EMS is optimistic about its own course of business and expects net sales for 2013 to close slightly above those of the previous year with a slightly over-proportional increase in operating income (EBIT).

* In the business unit EMS-EFTEC, business in Central and Eastern Europe has been fully consolidated since April 1, 2013 (previously consolidated according to the equity method).