Chemicals

2nd Quarter 2018

Sales in the Chemicals segment slightly exceeded the figure for the prior-year quarter. This was the result of higher prices, especially in the Monomers and Intermediates divisions, as well as volumes growth. By contrast, sales were negatively impacted by currency effects, primarily relating to the U.S. dollar. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items declined slightly compared with the second quarter of 2017. This was mainly due to significantly higher fixed costs as a result of scheduled and unscheduled plant turnarounds.


Factors influencing sales, Chemicals
2nd quarter 2018

Factors influencing sales, Chemicals – 2nd quarter 2018 (bar chart)

Petrochemicals

In the Petrochemicals division, we recorded slight sales growth compared with the prior-year quarter. This was driven by higher volumes, particularly in Europe. Prices rose slightly overall, but declined for steam cracker products in North America. Sales were weighed down by negative currency effects. EBIT before special items was considerably below the strong figure for the second quarter of 2017, mainly as a result of lower margins and higher fixed costs. Steam cracker margins declined significantly in all regions, especially in North America. This could not be offset by higher margins for oxo alcohols and plasticizers, primarily in Europe and North America, as well as for acrylic monomers in Europe in particular. Fixed costs rose significantly due to higher expenses for service and maintenance as well as for catalysts.

Monomers

We slightly improved sales in the Monomers division as against the second quarter of 2017. This was due to higher prices, particularly for isocyanates. Negative currency effects and lower sales volumes had an offsetting effect. EBIT before special items grew slightly year on year on the back of higher margins. Fixed costs were significantly higher, primarily from maintenance measures.

Intermediates

The Intermediates division considerably increased its sales compared with the second quarter of 2017. This was attributable to higher sales volumes of acetylenics and carbonyl derivatives in particular, as well as to higher prices in all regions, especially for acids and polyalcohols. Currency effects had a negative impact on sales. EBIT before special items rose considerably as a result of improved margins and volumes growth.

Segment data Chemicals (million €)

 

 

2nd quarter

1st half

 

 

2018

2017

Change in %

2018

2017

Change in %

1

Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and reversals of impairments)

2

Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Sales to third parties

 

4,132

4,045

2

8,418

8,150

3

of which Petrochemicals

 

1,593

1,580

1

3,372

3,234

4

Monomers

 

1,731

1,708

1

3,454

3,407

1

Intermediates

 

808

757

7

1,592

1,509

6

Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)

 

1,330

1,385

(4)

2,716

2,624

4

Amortization and depreciation1

 

266

266

526

531

(1)

Income from operations (EBIT)

 

1,064

1,119

(5)

2,190

2,093

5

Special items

 

(10)

(1)

.

(18)

15

.

EBIT before special items

 

1,074

1,120

(4)

2,208

2,078

6

Assets (June 30)

 

13,294

12,892

3

13,294

12,892

3

Investments including acquisitions2

 

279

230

21

470

413

14

Research and development expenses

 

30

31

(3)

61

60

2