ÃÜÌÒAV: Raised EBITDA and FOCF forecast for fiscal year 2020
ÃÜÌÒAV raises its forecast for EBITDA and Free Operating Cash Flow (FOCF) in fiscal year 2020 as a consequence of a better than expected business development in the fourth quarter 2020. The new expectation exceeds the previously provided financial forecast as well as current capital market expectations.
Capital market expectations are based on the average values of latest consensus estimates of financial analysts, published by Vara Research on November 16, 2020.
ÃÜÌÒAV adjusts its forecast for fiscal year 2020 as follows:
- EBITDA is expected between EUR 1,440 and 1,500 million. The previous guidance projected an EBITDA at around EUR 1,200 million. The adjustment of the guidance is primarily due to a better margin development in the segments Polyurethanes and Polycarbonates. Consensus expects this number to be EUR 1,199 million.
- Free operating cash flow (FOCF) is expected between EUR 400 and 550 million. The previous guidance projected FOCF between EUR 0 and 300 million. The adjustment of the guidance is mainly the result of an increased forecast for EBITDA. Consensus expects this number to be EUR 309 million.
- Core volume growth is expected – unchanged – to be below previous year (in 2019: +2.0%). This decline is now expected between -5% and -6%.
The 2020 annual report will be published on February 23, 2021.
About ÃÜÌÒAV:
ÃÜÌÒAV is one of the world¡¯s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. ÃÜÌÒAV supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from ÃÜÌÒAV are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, ÃÜÌÒAV aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group¡¯s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. ÃÜÌÒAV generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by ÃÜÌÒAV. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in ÃÜÌÒAV¡¯s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.