- Payout ratio of 13%
- Financial stability further strengthened
At the company’s Annual General Meeting in Duisburg the shareholders of ALTANA AG approved the dividend proposal made by the Management and Supervisory Boards. As a result, the shareholders of the Wesel-based specialty chemicals Group receive a dividend of 10 cent per share for the past business year. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 13% measured in terms of net income (EAT). The dividend does not only give ALTANA’s shareholders an appropriate share in the company’s development, but also takes into consideration the difficult overall economic environment. On the whole, the financial stability of ALTANA will therefore be further strengthened.
Key developments of the past business year
In the business year 2008, ALTANA achieved sales of €1,341.7 million, which is about 3% or €38 million less than in 2007. Adjusted for negative exchange rate effects as well as minor positive acquisition and divestment effects, the operating decrease was 2%. Sales declined in all regions. With sales at €664.8 million, corresponding to nearly half of the company’s total sales, Europe reported a decrease in sales of 2%. In the Americas sales were down by 7%; adjusted for exchange rate effects of 3%, sales fell to €305.9 million. At €325.7 million (-1%) sales in Asia almost reached the prior-year level. The development in this region, however, was burdened by the higher than average sales decrease in China (- 6%), in particular in the fourth quarter of the past business year.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) declined from €248.5 million to €242.9 million, corresponding to a decrease of 2%. At €170.3 million, the operating income (EBIT) was slightly increased on the previous year (+2%) due to lower depreciation and amortization. At €158.7 million, earnings before taxes were significantly down on the 2007 figure (€214.3 million). The latter, however, had been influenced by the income from the investment of the sales price for ALTANA Pharma (€55 million). The company’s net income (EAT) totaled €103.4 million.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, i.e. current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are based on beliefs of ALTANA as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to ALTANA. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. ALTANA does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances or events that have occurred or changed after such statements have been made.
About ALTANA:
ALTANA develops and produces high-quality innovative products in the specialty chemicals business. The ALTANA Group, with headquarters in Wesel/Germany, is a genuine “global player” with 83% of its sales generated by international activities. The ALTANA Group has four divisions: BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants. All of these divisions occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.
ALTANA offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions with the matching specialty products for coating manufactures, paint and plastic processors, the printing and cosmetic industries, and the electrical and electronic industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins & varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments.
At present, the ALTANA Group has 33 production facilities and 46 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the group about 4,700 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2008, ALTANA achieved sales of about 1.3 billion euros. Its impressive earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most successful and innovative chemical groups worldwide.