Specialty Chemicals – Overview

• Revenue up 5 percent in Q2, mainly due to favorable currency effects, while volumes were flat
• Operating income up 55 percent (31 percent excluding incidental items related to the divestment of the Paper Chemicals business), supported by the increase of production at the new Frankfurt plant and operational efficiencies throughout the business
• ROS increased to 14.9 percent (2014: 10.1 percent); excluding incidental items ROS was 12.6 percent; ROI increased to 17.0 percent (2014: 9.6 percent)
• Divestment of Paper Chemicals business was closed in May; book profit net of related costs was €30 million included in operating income

Revenue was up 5 percent due to continued favorable currency effects, partly offset by the impact of the divestment of the Paper Chemicals business, which was completed early May. Volumes were flat. Growth in some segments compensated for lower demand in oil and gas drilling segments. North America continued to show a positive trend, while growth in Asia was subdued and demand remained weak in Europe and South America.

Operating income increased 55 percent (31 percent excluding incidental items related to the divestment of the Paper Chemicals business). Results were supported by the increase of production at the new Frankfurt plant, operational efficiencies throughout the business and favorable currency developments.

Revenue development Q2 2015