Evonik grows strongly in the first half of the year and raises outlook for 2021

"We have emerged out of the crisis stronger than before and have made substantial gains in the first half," said Christian Kullmann, chairman of the board of management.  "This positive dynamic will continue into the second half. Therefore, we are confident about raising our outlook.  From today’s perspective we will even end up in the upper part of the range.”

For 2021 Evonik now expects adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) of between €2.3 billion and €2.4 billion for the full year.  Previously the range was €2.1 billion to €2.3 billion.  The outlook for sales is now €13 billion to €14.5 billion, up from a previously expected €12 billion to €14 billion.  Last year Evonik posted adjusted EBITDA of €1.91 billion and sales of €12.2 billion.

In the second quarter, adjusted EBITDA rose 42 percent to €649 million compared with the prior-year quarter.  Even compared with the pre-corona second quarter of 2019, adjusted EBITDA gained, growing 15 percent.  The main drivers were all three growth divisions - Specialty Additives, Nutrition & Care and Smart Materials, which demonstrated their resilience despite higher raw-material costs.

Sales at the company gained 29 percent to €3.64 billion in the second quarter compared with the same quarter in 2020.  Adjusted net income increased 58 percent to €253 million with adjusted earnings per share rising from €0.34 to €0.54.

As a result of the improved business performance, free cash flow increased year-on-year to €101 million, despite the expected increase in net working capital and higher tax payments.  As a result, free cash flow reached a record level of €413 million in the first half of the year.

"The excellent cash flow in the first half of the year provides the basis for achieving a cash conversion rate of 40 percent again this year," said Ute Wolf, chief financial officer.

The division's sales rose 23 percent to €922 million in the second quarter.  Additives for polyurethane foams, for example for the construction industry or durable goods such as mattresses and refrigerators, saw significantly higher demand with sales rising strongly compared to the corona-related weaker quarter last year.  Additives for the coatings industry also recorded significant sales growth in all regions.  Good demand for renewable energy products continued.  The business with additives for the automotive industry also increased significantly year-on-year.  Adjusted EBITDA increased by 20 percent to €242 million.

Sales at Nutrition & Care rose 13 percent to €838 million in the second quarter.  Sales of essential amino acids increased with good volume demand and improved selling prices.  The products for the health and care sector benefited from good demand and achieved considerably higher sales.  Active ingredients, particularly for cosmetic applications, benefited from a very good volume development.  In pharmaceutical applications lipids for mRNA vaccines saw a significant increase in sales.  Adjusted EBITDA improved by 9 percent to €183 million.

The division's sales improved by 35 percent to €975 million in the second quarter. High-performance polymers saw a significant increase in demand from the auto industry.  Polyamide 12 powders for 3D printing and membranes for efficient gas treatment were also in high demand.  The tire silica business benefited from a strong upturn in demand compared to the corona-related weaker quarter last year.  Active oxygen products recorded good volume demand both in the specialty business and in the classic hydrogen peroxide business.  The catalysts business benefited from the first-time inclusion of Porocel, which was acquired in November 2020.  Adjusted EBITDA rose 73 percent to €176 million at the division.

The division's sales rose by 62 percent to €708 million in the second quarter.  Sales of C4 products increased significantly with increasing demand and strongly improved selling prices.  The superabsorbent business continues to be affected by a difficult market environment.  Adjusted EBITDA rose from €12 million to €99 million in the quarter.

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €12.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.91 billion in 2020. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

Asia Pacific is a strong driving force of the global economy and an important source of innovation.  Consequently Evonik endeavors to further grow its business in the region.  Sales reached €2.84 billion in 2020 and the company employs over 5,000 people at more than 50 production sites in Asia Pacific.  In Taiwan, we now employ over 200 employees which including 1 office based in Taipei and 1 production site based in Taoyuan.

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties.  Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment.  Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.