Swiss specialty chemicals company Clariant AG (CLZNF.PK,CLZNY.PK) Tuesday said its first-quarter profit more than doubled, helped by higher volumes, amid a challenging but stable business environment. For full year 2013, the company sees further growth in sales and profitability compared to 2012.
Clariant expects a persisting soft macroeconomic environment, characterized by high volatility. While, solid growth in the emerging markets is most likely, no significant growth impulses are expected from the European and North American economies.
For the mid-term, Clariant confirmed its 2015 targets of an EBITDA margin of above 17 percent and a return on invested capital above the peer-group average.
CEO Hariolf Kottmann stated, "Clariant had an encouraging start to the year as sales continued to grow and margins remained robust under stabilizing economic conditions. While the Group concentrated on disciplined cost management and the execution of the announced portfolio measures, the businesses turned their attention to intensifying growth and fostering innovation."
In its first quarter, the company's net result from continuing operations climbed to 38 million Swiss francs from 16 million francs in the previous year.
EBITDA margin before exceptional items was 13.7 percent, compared to 13.9 percent a year ago.
Clariant's sales from continuing operations edged up 1 percent to 1.53 billion francs from 1.51 billion francs a year ago. Sales increased 2 percent in local currencies. Organic growth of 2 percent was primarily due to higher volumes.
According to the company, Latin America showed the highest growth with a 10 percent increase in local currency sales. Sales in Asia Pacific and EMEA were unchanged from last year. Europe had a 2 percent growth, while sales fell 10 percent in Middle East & Africa. Sales in North America grew 5 percent from last year.
The gross margin was 29.2 percent, compared to 29.3 percent a year ago, due to higher costs of underutilized production capacities.
In Zurich, the shares are currently trading at 13.52 francs, down 0.37 percent.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.