ALTANA Achieves Leap in Sales and Earnings in 2014
WESEL, Germany – The specialty chemicals group ALTANA achieved significant growth in sales and earnings in fiscal 2014. Sales amounted to around €2 billion, corresponding to an increase of 11% year-over-year. The acquisition of Rockwood's rheology business, concluded on October 1, 2013, significantly contributed to this double-digit growth. Altogether, acquisitions comprised a total of 7% of the group's sales growth. Adjusted for these effects and minor negative exchange rate effects, operating sales increased by 4%, primarily due to higher sales volumes.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 18%, amounting to €397 million. At 20.4%, the EBITDA margin reflects a clear expansion compared to the previous year (19.0%). "2014 was a strong year for ALTANA," said Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG. "We are well on track to continue on our path of profitable growth."