Ebita adj. NOK 157 million in the 1st quarter
Borregaard’s operating revenues increased to NOK 1,250 million (NOK 1,217 million)¹ in the 1st quarter of 2019. EBITA adj.² was NOK 157 million (NOK 177 million). Other Businesses’ result improved significantly compared with the corresponding quarter in 2018, whereas Performance Chemicals and Speciality Cellulose had a decline. The implementation of IFRS16 Leases had a marginal positive impact of NOK 1 million on EBITA adj.².
Performance Chemicals had a 7% increase in total sales volume, primarily as a result of the Florida plant ramp-up. EBITA adj.² decreased, mainly due to higher fixed costs and depreciation from the Florida start-up. Higher wood costs and low deliveries affected Speciality Cellulose negatively. Other Businesses improved as a result of higher sales prices and a favourable product mix in Ingredients as well as high sales revenues in Fine Chemicals. The net currency impact was positive.
Profit before tax was NOK 141 million (NOK 169 million). Earnings per share were NOK 1.26 (NOK 1.37).
- Ramp-up of the new production capacity in Florida continued according to plan, lifting total lignin sales volume by 7% compared with the 1st quarter of last year. The diversification efforts in Performance Chemicals continued with strong growth in Industrial. In Other Businesses, both Ingredients and Fine Chemicals had strong performance in the quarter, says President and CEO Per A. Sørlie.
1. Figures in parentheses are for the corresponding period in the preceding year
2. Operating profit before amortisation and other income and expenses