Solvay
2019 Annual Integrated Report

in € million

FY 2019

FY 2018 PF

% yoy

Net sales

2,879

2,808

+2.5%

Soda Ash & Derivatives

1,661

1,562

+6.3%

Peroxides

683

654

+4.4%

Coatis

535

591

–9.6%

EBITDA

852

761

+12%

EBITDA margin

29.6%

27.1%

+2.5pp

EBIT

639

556

+15%

EBIT margin

22.2%

19.8%

+2.4%

Capex in continuing operations

(177)

(175)

–0.9%

Cash conversion

79.3%

77.0%

+2.3pp

CFROI

8.5%

8.1%

+0.5pp

Research & innovation

(25)

(27)

+5.9%

Research & innovation intensity

0.9%

1.0%

–0.1pp

Net sales evolution
FY yoy net sales bridge (in € million)

Performance Chemicals – Net sales evolution (bar chart)

Full year net sales in the segment were up +2.5% and +2.2% organically[8], reflecting the higher contract prices for soda ash and peroxides, and more than offsetting lower sales in Coatis, which compare to a very strong 2018.

Full year underlying EBITDA grew +12% and +10% organically[8] driven by higher prices. Productivity gains, favorable energy costs and a strong contribution from the Russian PVC joint venture also contributed positively to the performance. A one-time gain of €12 million was booked in the second quarter on the settlement of an energy contract in the soda ash business. The EBITDA margin was up +2.5pp at 30%.

[8] Organic growth excludes forex conversion and scope effects, as well as the effect from the implementation of IFRS 16. Reported growth compares to the published 2018 pro forma figures, adjusted for the implementation of IFRS 16