- Email: [email protected]
Elementis: preliminary results for the year ended 31 Dec 2009: Elementis Surfactants
F O C US the global baby market sizes, by sector, in 2008. SPC, Soap, Perfumery and Cosmetics, Mar 2010, 83 (3), 20-21,23-24
COMPANY RESULTS Elementis: preliminary results for the year ended 31 Dec 2009: Elementis Surfactants Elementis Surfactants is a speciality surfactant manufacturer offering innovative products to markets such as oilfield chemicals, pulp and paper and household products. Its strategy is to focus on higher margin markets such as agrochemicals, feed, plastic and resins and limit activity in high volume commodity applications. At the same time the business seeks to continually reduce operating costs by more efficient utilization of its manufacturing facility in the Netherlands, which it shares with the Specialty Products business. For its fiscal 2009 (period ended 31 Dec 2009), the Elementis Surfactants business unit of Elementis plc reported sales of GBP 49.2 M (GBP 51.1 M for fiscal 2008) and operating profit of GBP 0.1 M (GBP 0.5 M). Lower sales volumes brought about by the economic downturn were again the main cause of the decline, but the scale of the reduction was less severe than for other Group businesses because a greater proportion of Surfactants’ sales go to more defensive market sectors that were less affected by the economic downturn, such as household consumables. The business was able to sustain its operating result in spite of the drop in sales volumes due to the ongoing management process of moving the business to more sustainable, higher margin products. Elementis Preliminary Results FY 2009, 23 Feb 2010, 6-8 (Elementis plc, 10 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4HH, UK. Tel: +44 20 7408 9300. Fax: +44 20 7493 2194. Website: http://www.elementis.com)
Sasol Ltd interim financial results for 1H ended 31 Dec 2009. Sasol Ltd reported financial results for 1H ended 31 Dec 2009. Basic MAY 2010
O N
S U R FAC TA N T S
earnings/share was R 1,054 and diluted earnings/share was R 1,114 in 1H 2009-2010 (Basic earnings/share was R 2,217 and diluted earnings/ share was R 2,179 in 1H 2008-2009). The company’s turnover was R 58,072 M in 1H 2009-2010 (turnover was R 83,118 M in 1H 2008-2009). An interim cash dividend of R 280/ordinary share has been declared in 2009 (cash dividend of R 250/ordinary share was declared in 2008). Synfuels sector recorded a turnover of R 16,370 M in 1H 2009-2010 (synfuels sector recorded a turnover of R 24,456 M in 1H 2008-2009). Polymers sector recorded a turnover of R 6,408 M in 1H 2009-2010 (Polymers sector recorded a turnover of R 8,643 M in 1H 20082009). Solvents segment’s turnover was R 7,498 M in 1H 2009-2010 (solvents segment’s turnover was R 10,568 M in 1H 2008-2009). Olefins & Surfactants sector recorded a turnover of R 11,507 M in 1H 20092010 (Olefins & Surfactants sector recorded a turnover of R 18,253 M in 1H 2008-2009). Financial figures for the company are presented in tables. Sasol Financials 1H and 2009, 8 Mar 2010, (Sasol Ltd, 1 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa. Tel: +27 11 441 3218. Fax: +27 11 441 3189. Website: http://www.sasol.com)
Chemrez Technologies hikes profits to Peso 468 M Biodiesel producer Chemrez Technologies Inc’s consolidated income grew by 26% in 2009 to Philippine Peso 468 M (compared with Philippine Peso 372 M in 2008). Net profit margin went up to 9% from 8%, with earnings/share up to Philippine Peso 0.35 (from Philippine Peso 0.28 in 2008). The higher profit was due to higher sales volume, primarily the approval of the 2% biodiesel mandate or B2 effective Feb 2009 and higher sales of other oleochemicals. Consolidated sales increased by 10% to Philippine Peso 5.1 bn in 2009 (compared with Philippine Peso 4.66 bn in 2008). While higher sales were recorded for biodiesel in 2009, profit margin for this product decreased substantially, due to intense market competition. Chemrez, however, said its oleochemical products other than
biodiesel, which are mostly exports, experienced robust growth and good prices, pushed by the high demand for amides and esters as used for the detergent, soap and cosmetic sectors in overseas markets. Press release from: Chemrez Technologies Inc, 65 Industria Street, Bagumbayan, Quezo City, 1110 Metro Manila, Philippines. Tel: +63 2 635 0680. Fax: +63 2 637 6099. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.chemrez.com) (14 Mar 2010)
COMPANY NEWS Loss-making Rhodia pins hopes on emerging nations For 2009, Rhodia posted net losses of €132 M (compared with net profits of €105 M in 2008) and an 18% decline in turnover to 2009. However, the group claims to have ended the year stronger than it began it and is optimistic about its future. It cut its debts to €1 bn+ (a 50% reduction over 4 years) and in 4Q it posted a record gross operating margin of €200 M (thanks to increases of 34% and 19% in the volume of its polyamides and Silcea sales respectively). Rhodia expects emerging nations to drive its growth in 2010. In 2009 these countries (particularly China and Brazil) accounted for 45% of its turnover. Rhodia plans to continue investing in order to increase its capacities in Asia and S America. It is opening 2 new silicas and surfactants factories in China (in Qingdao and Zhenjiang) and a new surfactants unit in Roha, India. In Europe, investments will be limited to improving existing sites. Meanwhile Rhodia is planning to reduce its fixed costs and is planning to make savings of €150 M by 2011 (compared with 2008). If current economic conditions continue, Rhodia expects a significant improvement in its 2010 profitability and a 35% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization compared with 2009. It also expects to be able to raise its prices in order to offset increases in raw material costs. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 8 Mar 2010, (499), 4 (in French)
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COMPANY RESULTS Elementis: preliminary results for the year ended 31 Dec 2009: Elementis Surfactants Elementis Surfactants is a speciality surfactant manufacturer offering innovative products to markets such as oilfield chemicals, pulp and paper and household products. Its strategy is to focus on higher margin markets such as agrochemicals, feed, plastic and resins and limit activity in high volume commodity applications. At the same time the business seeks to continually reduce operating costs by more efficient utilization of its manufacturing facility in the Netherlands, which it shares with the Specialty Products business. For its fiscal 2009 (period ended 31 Dec 2009), the Elementis Surfactants business unit of Elementis plc reported sales of GBP 49.2 M (GBP 51.1 M for fiscal 2008) and operating profit of GBP 0.1 M (GBP 0.5 M). Lower sales volumes brought about by the economic downturn were again the main cause of the decline, but the scale of the reduction was less severe than for other Group businesses because a greater proportion of Surfactants’ sales go to more defensive market sectors that were less affected by the economic downturn, such as household consumables. The business was able to sustain its operating result in spite of the drop in sales volumes due to the ongoing management process of moving the business to more sustainable, higher margin products. Elementis Preliminary Results FY 2009, 23 Feb 2010, 6-8 (Elementis plc, 10 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4HH, UK. Tel: +44 20 7408 9300. Fax: +44 20 7493 2194. Website: http://www.elementis.com)
Sasol Ltd interim financial results for 1H ended 31 Dec 2009. Sasol Ltd reported financial results for 1H ended 31 Dec 2009. Basic MAY 2010
O N
S U R FAC TA N T S
earnings/share was R 1,054 and diluted earnings/share was R 1,114 in 1H 2009-2010 (Basic earnings/share was R 2,217 and diluted earnings/ share was R 2,179 in 1H 2008-2009). The company’s turnover was R 58,072 M in 1H 2009-2010 (turnover was R 83,118 M in 1H 2008-2009). An interim cash dividend of R 280/ordinary share has been declared in 2009 (cash dividend of R 250/ordinary share was declared in 2008). Synfuels sector recorded a turnover of R 16,370 M in 1H 2009-2010 (synfuels sector recorded a turnover of R 24,456 M in 1H 2008-2009). Polymers sector recorded a turnover of R 6,408 M in 1H 2009-2010 (Polymers sector recorded a turnover of R 8,643 M in 1H 20082009). Solvents segment’s turnover was R 7,498 M in 1H 2009-2010 (solvents segment’s turnover was R 10,568 M in 1H 2008-2009). Olefins & Surfactants sector recorded a turnover of R 11,507 M in 1H 20092010 (Olefins & Surfactants sector recorded a turnover of R 18,253 M in 1H 2008-2009). Financial figures for the company are presented in tables. Sasol Financials 1H and 2009, 8 Mar 2010, (Sasol Ltd, 1 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa. Tel: +27 11 441 3218. Fax: +27 11 441 3189. Website: http://www.sasol.com)
Chemrez Technologies hikes profits to Peso 468 M Biodiesel producer Chemrez Technologies Inc’s consolidated income grew by 26% in 2009 to Philippine Peso 468 M (compared with Philippine Peso 372 M in 2008). Net profit margin went up to 9% from 8%, with earnings/share up to Philippine Peso 0.35 (from Philippine Peso 0.28 in 2008). The higher profit was due to higher sales volume, primarily the approval of the 2% biodiesel mandate or B2 effective Feb 2009 and higher sales of other oleochemicals. Consolidated sales increased by 10% to Philippine Peso 5.1 bn in 2009 (compared with Philippine Peso 4.66 bn in 2008). While higher sales were recorded for biodiesel in 2009, profit margin for this product decreased substantially, due to intense market competition. Chemrez, however, said its oleochemical products other than
biodiesel, which are mostly exports, experienced robust growth and good prices, pushed by the high demand for amides and esters as used for the detergent, soap and cosmetic sectors in overseas markets. Press release from: Chemrez Technologies Inc, 65 Industria Street, Bagumbayan, Quezo City, 1110 Metro Manila, Philippines. Tel: +63 2 635 0680. Fax: +63 2 637 6099. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.chemrez.com) (14 Mar 2010)
COMPANY NEWS Loss-making Rhodia pins hopes on emerging nations For 2009, Rhodia posted net losses of €132 M (compared with net profits of €105 M in 2008) and an 18% decline in turnover to 2009. However, the group claims to have ended the year stronger than it began it and is optimistic about its future. It cut its debts to €1 bn+ (a 50% reduction over 4 years) and in 4Q it posted a record gross operating margin of €200 M (thanks to increases of 34% and 19% in the volume of its polyamides and Silcea sales respectively). Rhodia expects emerging nations to drive its growth in 2010. In 2009 these countries (particularly China and Brazil) accounted for 45% of its turnover. Rhodia plans to continue investing in order to increase its capacities in Asia and S America. It is opening 2 new silicas and surfactants factories in China (in Qingdao and Zhenjiang) and a new surfactants unit in Roha, India. In Europe, investments will be limited to improving existing sites. Meanwhile Rhodia is planning to reduce its fixed costs and is planning to make savings of €150 M by 2011 (compared with 2008). If current economic conditions continue, Rhodia expects a significant improvement in its 2010 profitability and a 35% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization compared with 2009. It also expects to be able to raise its prices in order to offset increases in raw material costs. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 8 Mar 2010, (499), 4 (in French)
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