Surface Technologies Q1 2019 We achieved considerable sales growth in the Surface Technologies segment compared with the first quarter of 2018, especially in the Catalysts division. Sales also rose considerably in the Construction Chemicals division and were on a level with the prior-year quarter in the Coatings division. (XLS:) Download Factors influencing sales in Q1 2019 – Surface Technologies Surface Technologies Catalysts Coatings Construction Chemicals Volumes 2% 4% (2%) 2% Prices 7% 12% 2% 3% Portfolio 0% 0% 0% 0% Currencies 4% 6% 0% 2% Sales 13% 22% 0% 7% The sales increase was attributable to higher prices in all divisions as well as positive currency effects and volumes growth in the Catalysts and Construction Chemicals divisions. By contrast, sales volumes declined slightly in the Coatings division. Slight volumes growth for surface treatments and decorative paints was unable to completely offset the considerable decline for automotive OEM coatings; sales volumes of automotive refinish coatings matched the level of the prior-year quarter. The increase in sales was driven by the Catalysts division, where higher volumes in both precious metal trading and the chemical and refining catalysts business exceeded lower sales volumes for mobile emissions catalysts. In precious metal trading, sales increased to €1,064 million (first quarter of 2018: €685 million) as a result of higher precious metal prices and volumes. The Construction Chemicals division improved sales in North America, mainly as a result of positive currency effects. We also achieved higher prices. In Europe, we increased sales on the back of higher prices and volumes. The sales increase in Asia was attributable to volumes growth and positive currency effects. Sales in the region South America, Africa, Middle East rose as a result of positive currency effects and higher prices. The segment’s income from operations (EBIT) before special items was on a level with the prior-year quarter. EBIT before special items in the Construction Chemicals division improved considerably, primarily due to higher margins; in the Catalysts division, earnings rose slightly as a result of sales growth. By contrast, the Coatings division recorded considerably lower EBIT before special items. This was mainly attributable to a weaker automotive business. (XLS:) Download Segment data – Surface Technologies (Million €) Q1 2019 2018 +/– a Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and reversals of impairments) b Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment Sales to third parties 3,602 3,185 13% of which Catalysts 2,118 1,736 22% Coatings 904 905 0% Construction Chemicals 580 544 7% Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items 302 285 6% Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 297 280 6% Depreciation and amortizationa 147 126 17% Income from operations (EBIT) 150 154 (3%) Special items (9) (5) (80%) EBIT before special items 159 159 − Assets (March 31) 14,368 13,382 7% Investments including acquisitionsb 113 93 22% Research and development expenses 58 65 (11%) back next