Surface Technologies Q3 2019 The Surface Technologies segment considerably increased sales compared with the third quarter of 2018, especially in the Catalysts division. The Coatings and Construction Chemicals divisions recorded slight sales growth. (XLS:) Download Factors influencing sales in Q3 2019 – Surface Technologies Surface Technologies Catalysts Coatings Construction Chemicals Volumes 6% 12% 1% 0% Prices 13% 22% 2% 2% Portfolio 0% (1%) 0% 0% Currencies 3% 5% 1% 3% Sales 22% 38% 4% 5% The sales increase was mainly due to higher prices in all divisions, but especially in the Catalysts division. Here, the higher sales prices were primarily attributable to increased precious metal prices. Sales were also lifted by significantly higher sales volumes in the Catalysts division. Volumes developed positively for mobile emissions catalysts and in precious metal trading as well as in the battery materials business, while sales volumes declined for chemical catalysts. In precious metal trading, sales rose to €1,153 million (third quarter of 2018: €719 million) as a result of higher prices and volumes. In the Coatings division, volumes were slightly above the level of the prior-year quarter. Slightly higher sales volumes, primarily in the automotive refinish coatings business, more than offset slightly lower volumes in the decorative paints business. Volumes in the automotive OEM coatings business matched the level of the third quarter of 2018. Sales volumes in the Construction Chemicals division remained at the level of the prior-year quarter. Positive currency effects in all divisions contributed to the sales increase. The Construction Chemicals division considerably increased sales in North America, mainly as a result of positive currency effects. Higher volumes and prices also had a positive impact on sales. Sales rose slightly in Europe, primarily due to higher prices. In the Asia Pacific region, the Construction Chemicals division posted a considerable improvement in sales. This was largely attributable to higher sales volumes and positive currency effects. Sales in South America, Africa, Middle East declined slightly compared with the prior-year quarter. This was mainly attributable to significantly lower volumes, which could not be completely offset by higher prices and positive currency effects. We considerably increased income from operations (EBIT) before special items in all divisions. In the Catalysts division, the increase was attributable to measurement effects in precious metal trading and higher sales volumes. The Coatings division recorded higher margins and lower fixed costs. EBIT before special items rose considerably in the Construction Chemicals division, mainly due to price-related margin growth. (XLS:) Download Segment data – Surface Technologies (Million €) Q3 January–September 2019 2018 +/– 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 4,001 3,274 22% 11,444 9,967 15% of which Catalysts 2,394 1,738 38% 6,734 5,358 26% Coatings 931 891 4% 2,774 2,756 1% Construction Chemicals 676 645 5% 1,936 1,853 4% Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items 414 270 53% 1,057 861 23% Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 377 263 43% 999 842 19% Depreciation and amortizationa 154 128 20% 451 383 18% Income from operations (EBIT) 223 135 65% 548 459 19% Special items (38) (7) . (62) (20) . EBIT before special items 261 142 84% 610 479 27% Assets (September 30) 14,650 13,724 7% 14,650 13,724 7% Investments including acquisitionsb 152 154 (1%) 413 358 15% Research and development expenses 64 62 3% 182 192 (5%) back next