• Business with global customers increases sales by 5 %
• Portfolio pruning and cost discipline secure profitability
• Targeted EBITDA margin of 20 % confirmed for the full year
Symrise remains on course with an EBITDA margin of 20.1 %
for the first nine months of 2011. The Group achieved its
targeted margin despite a further economic slowdown in the
third quarter and sustained high raw material prices. In
certain regions Symrise discontinued selective activities
with low margins and continued strict cost discipline
throughout the Group. Group sales increased about 2 %
compared to the strong prior-year figures which were
characterized by catch-up effects. The flavor business as
well as activities with global customers significantly
contributed to this growth. The Emerging Markets also
continued to provide positive impetus for growth.
Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG, said: "The
market dynamics have continued to slow in the third quarter
due to weaker economic prospects and continuing tension on
the raw material and foreign exchange markets. We made
notable gains in our business with global customers. At the
same time, however, we saw customers returning to more
careful order patterns in certain regions and sectors. To
secure our profitability on a long-term basis we continued
to focus our business on profitable activities during the
third quarter. We aim to growing, however, not at the cost
of our earnings power."
Dr. Bertram continued: "We do not expect volatility to
decline in our markets until the end of the year.
Accordingly, securing our strong profitability takes first
priority. From today's point of view and despite the
current macroeconomic challenges we continue to be
confident that we will achieve an EBITDA margin of 20 % for
the full year of 2011. After using this year to
consequently focus on optimizing our earnings, we are well
prepared for various economic scenarios that may occur in
the coming year."
Emerging Markets Account for 46 % of Total Sales
In the first three quarters of 2011, Symrise generated
Group sales of € 1,206.3 million (previous year: € 1,207.7
million). This corresponds to an increase of about 2 % at
local currency. The Group continued to grow in the Emerging
Markets, though not at the exceptional pace of the previous
year. Symrise rose sales in Emerging Markets by about 2 %
and generated 46 % of its total sales in those markets.
In the EAME region, Symrise posted sales gains of 2 % (2 %
at local currency). At the same time, sales growth in the
Asia/Pacific region was moderate at 2 % (2 % at local
currency) mainly due to portfolio optimizations. In Latin
America, sales development remained behind the
above-average growth rates seen last year with a gain of 1
% (3 % at local currency). Sales in this region also
reflect the conscious decision to discontinue less
profitable activities. In North America, sales decreased 8
% compared to the strong prior-year-figures, which is
mainly due to negative exchange rate effects, as well as
reserved consumer sentiment in the region. At local
currency, the decline in sales amounted to a moderate 1
%.
Successful Expansion of Business with Global Customers in
Both Divisions
Both divisions took advantage of their strong position as
core suppliers to international food and consumer goods
manufacturers and further expanded their business with
those key customers. Scent & Care increased sales in this
customer segment by 4 % while Flavor & Nutrition posted
sales gains of 7 %.
In total Symrise increased sales with global customers by 5
%. The segment accounted for 31 % of Group sales.
Excellent Profitability despite Burdens from High Raw
Material Costs
Symrise's earnings situation was negatively affected by
sustained high raw material costs and volatile exchange
rates in the first nine months of 2011. To counteract these
burdens, Symrise focused on strict cost management
throughout the entire Group and on a conscious
discontinuation from activities with weak margins. These
steps significantly contributed towards securing
profitability and achieving an EBITDA margin of 20.1 %
(previous year: 22.2 %). Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to € 242.6
million during the reporting period compared to € 267.7
million during the same period last year. Net income for
the first nine month totaled € 117.4 million (previous
year: € 127.3 million). This corresponds to earnings per
share of € 0.99 (previous year: € 1.08).
Inventory Reduction Allows Decrease in Working Capital
After a temporary build-up of important raw material
inventories in the first half of the year, Symrise has
reduced its working capital by € 35.3 million in the third
quarter. Cash flow from operating activities amounted to €
130.1 million in the first nine months of 2011 (previous
year: € 155.6 million).
Net debt (incl. pension provisions) amounted to € 743.2
million as of September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010: €
733.7 million). The ratio of net debt (incl. pension
provisions) to EBITDA amounted to 2.4 at the end of the
reporting period (December 31, 2010: 2.2) and therefore
remained within the targeted range of 2 to 2.5.
Scent & Care
Compared to the prior year period, which was characterized
by catch-up effects, sales in the Scent & Care division
declined to € 609.7 million in the reporting period
(previous year: € 621.8 million). At local currency, the
figure is nearly unchanged. The sales development reflects
the discontinuation of less profitable orders.
Additionally, lower demand in consumer-related areas, such
as luxury perfumes, were noticeable in the results.
However, Scent & Care continued its positive growth trends
in the Life Essentials, Aroma Molecules, and Oral Care
application areas. In the menthol business, Symrise
achieved double-digit growth. The application area Cosmetic
Ingredients posted considerable growth, particularly in the
Emerging Markets.
In Latin America, sales developed at a more moderate pace
after experiencing very dynamic growth in the previous
years. Scent & Care increased sales in the region by 3 % at
local currency. In Asia/Pacific, the division managed a
slight gain of 1 % (at local currency). The comparably
lower growth rate is mainly due to portfolio pruning and
exiting low-margin business activities. After the strong
growth realized last year sales in the EAME region
decreased by 2 % during the reporting period. Sales in
North America remained stable.
EBITDA for the division totaled € 117.3 million (2010: €
131.2 million). The EBITDA margin was 19.2 % (previous
year: 21.1 %).
Flavor & Nutrition
Flavor & Nutrition grew sales by about 2 % to € 596.6
million (previous year: € 586.0 million) during the first
nine months of 2011. At local currency, this corresponds to
an increase of 3 %.
The strongest region in terms of growth was EAME, with
solid demand in all of the important country markets and a
jump in sales of 6 % (at local currency). Beverage
applications and Consumer Health developed particularly
well in this region. In comparison to the strong
performances seen in the previous year Asia/Pacific and
Latin America generated more moderate growth with each
region posting a growth of 2 % at local currency. Selective
portfolio optimizations had an effect on both regions. In
Latin America Symrise benefitted particularly from solid
demand for savory applications and citrus products. The
ongoing reserved consumer sentiment in North America led to
a sales decline of 4 % at local currency.
EBITDA amounted to € 125.3 million (previous year: 136.5
million) while the EBITDA margin came in at 21.0 %
(previous year: 23.3 %).
Outlook: Targeted EBITDA Margin of 20 % Confirmed for the
Full Year
Symrise remains confident to largely achieve its targets
for fiscal year 2011. Based on the results of the first
nine months, the Management Board reaffirms the goal of
achieving an EBITDA margin of 20 % for the full year.
Considering the overall high raw materials prices and the
softening economic development, Symrise's industry-leading
EBITDA margin represents a considerable achievement.
For the current fiscal year Symrise aims at increasing
Group sales by around 2-3 % at local currency. In view of
the short-term volatility seen in important sales markets,
the Management Board has placed the focus on profitable
growth. Thus, Symrise consciously declined business in
certain cases to avoid diluting its earnings power.
Thanks to its global footprint, innovative power, and focus
on global customers Symrise is well-positioned to benefit
from the medium-term intact growth trends in its core
markets. Should the global economy improve in the coming
year, Symrise will use its strengths to accelerate its
profitable sales growth. Should the economic environment
continue to deteriorate, Symrise will be well-positioned to
assert its profitability.
Key Figures for the First Nine Months of 2011
About Symrise
Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavorings
as well as cosmetic base materials and substances for the
perfume, cosmetic, and food industries.
Its sales of € 1.57 billion in 2010 place Symrise among the
top four companies in the global flavors and fragrances
market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Company
is represented in over 35 countries in Europe, Asia, the
United States, and South America.
Our innovative products are used by perfume, cosmetic, and
food manufacturers and are an indispensable part of daily
life. We combine our insights on consumer trends with
cutting-edge technologies, focusing on innovative trend and
lifestyle products that have additional practical value for
the consumer.
www.symrise.com