The group is to become even more stable, with less volatility in the operating result
Specialty chemicals company LANXESS intends to accelerate measures for profitable growth. The company plans to further improve its stability and profitability over the next years and has set new medium-term financial targets accordingly. From 2021, the operating margin – measured in terms of EBITDA pre exceptionals – is expected to be between 14 and 18 per cent. In fiscal 2016 the margin was at 12.9 per cent. At the same time, the group is to become even more stable, with less volatility in the operating result. In terms of volume, LANXESS intends to consistently grow above global gross domestic product.
“LANXESS is back on solid footing and has embarked on a profitable growth path. In the coming years, we intend to reach our full potential and transform LANXESS into an even stronger company with a highly balanced and stable platform, increased profitability and, last but not least, a company team-culture based on dedication and motivation,” says Matthias Zachert, CEO, LANXESS.
In order to achieve these new targets, LANXESS will continue to develop its current portfolio based on clear criteria. The group will only include business operations in its portfolio that can achieve leading market positions and generate attractive margins sustainably. Organic investments – around EUR 400 million between 2016 and 2020 – involve projects that generate an average return on capital employed (ROCE) of 20 per cent on average. In comparison, Group ROCE was 6.9 per cent for fiscal 2016. In addition, LANXESS is pursuing even greater regional and industry-based balancing to further reduce the effects of market volatilities. This includes an increased share of sales in growth markets such as Asia and North America and an expanded presence in attractive customer industries such as electrical/ electronics or energy with innovative product applications.
A key factor in achieving the new financial targets includes synergies stemming from the acquisition of Chemtura, which is the largest acquisition in the company’s history. The company expects about EUR 100 million in annual cost savings by 2020. Cost savings for fiscal 2017 are already expected to amount to approx. EUR 25 million. An estimated EUR 140 million in associated one-time costs will be incurred for this.
Approximately half of the expected EUR 100 million in synergies are attributable to production and procurement. For instance, LANXESS will be expanding its ‘Manufacturing Excellence’ initiative to the previous Chemtura production sites to further optimise their processes and technologies. Furthermore, the combined purchase volume of both companies for raw materials of about EUR 2.5 billion can be reduced by harmonising supply contracts and increasing backward integration. Additional savings can be realised in the area of transportation and logistics. For example, the combined business units currently still operate more than 200 warehouses globally.
Around 30 per cent of all synergies can be achieved in administration, primarily in North America. The costs and structures for the former Chemtura Board of Directors, the former headquarters in Philadelphia and the Chemtura stock exchange listing are no longer necessary. Furthermore, administrative locations in close proximity will be merged and duplicated functions eliminated. Altogether some 40 projects have been initiated to standardise administration in North America. A further 20 per cent of the synergies are expected to come from streamlining global marketing and sales structures.
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