Improvement in other businesses, decline in performance chemicals and speciality cellulose
Borregaard’s operating revenues reached NOK 1,217 million (NOK 1,136 million)1 in the 1st quarter of 2018. EBITA adj.2 was NOK 177 million (NOK 200 million). Other Businesses had an improved result compared with the corresponding quarter of 2017, whereas Performance Chemicals and Speciality Cellulose had a decline. Costs increased by approximately NOK 40 million due to higher wood and caustic soda prices, higher lignin distribution costs and increasing manning related to the Florida project. The net currency impact was insignificant.
In Performance Chemicals, increased sales of specialities and improved product mix compensated for the negative impact from strong price competition in certain regional construction markets as well as increased costs. For Speciality Cellulose, higher wood and caustic soda prices and lower sales of acetate cellulose were the main reasons for the lower EBITA adj.2. Other Businesses had an improved EBITA adj.2 due to higher sales in Ingredients and Fine Chemicals, partly off-set by increased net costs in Cellulose Fibrils.
Profit before tax was NOK 169 million (NOK 195 million). Earnings per share were NOK 1.37 (NOK 1.48).
- We are pleased with the positive market development for lignin specialities and wood-based vanillin. The Florida project is on track and the plant is ready for start-up mid-year, 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