Solvay raises full year guidance following strong performance driven by higher volumes and prices
Highlights
- Net sales in the second quarter of 2022 were up +32.6% organically versus Q2 2021 driven by +26% in price actions (€690 million) and +6% from volumes (€164 million). Growth was driven by strong demand across all key markets, including automotive, aerospace, consumer, and electronics industries. Sales were up considerably in the Materials (+38%), Chemicals (+27%), and Solutions (+33%) segments versus Q2 2021. First half 2022 net sales were 29.5% higher organically than first half 2021.
- Record underlying EBITDA of €864 million in Q2 2022 was up +35% organically year on year, reflecting the volume growth and higher pricing. All three segments contributed to the growth, with Solutions up +58%, Materials up +45%, and Chemicals up +18% organically. First half 2022 EBITDA is +28% higher than first half 2021.
- The underlying EBITDA margin of 24.8% is +0.3pp higher than Q2 2021 and +1.5 pp higher than Q1 2022, mainly as a result of the strong pricing actions necessary to offset inflationary headwinds.
- Underlying Net Profit was €462 million in Q2 2022, around +67% higher than the result achieved in Q2 2021.
- Free Cash Flow was €257 million in Q2 2022, reflecting the strong performance, capex for growth projects, and the working capital increase linked to higher sales. First-half 2022 FCF of €473 million was around +13% higher than in H1 2021.
- All time record ROCE at 13.7%, +2.3 pp above the end of 2021.
- Continued strengthening of the balance sheet with underlying net debt at €4 billion, reaching a historic low leverage of 1.5x. Provisions decreased by €374 million, reaching a new low of €2.2 billion due largely to higher discount rates.
- Building on its Solvay One Planet sustainability roadmap, Solvay announced its plan to reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by -24% by 2030. This complements its previous commitment to align its scope 1 and 2 trajectory with the Paris Agreement.
“I am proud of how our businesses have continued to perform in a strong demand environment in the second quarter, again setting new records for the company. I wish to thank our global teams for their unwavering commitment and resilience. Demand for our high-value technologies was evident in the volume uplift in the quarter as we continue to offer solutions that support our customers needs. The pricing initiatives helped to offset the significant rise in costs and enabled us to sustain EBITDA margins, and we are grateful to our customers who value our technologies and services. Going forward, our business leaders will continue investing in our key growth areas while navigating the uncertain macroeconomic environment.
Ilham Kadri, CEO
2022 outlook increased
Full year underlying EBITDA estimate is increased from the previously shared guidance of mid-to-high single digit growth to a range of 14% to 18% organic growth for the full year 2022.
The Free Cash Flow estimate has increased from €650 million previously to around €750 million, overcoming significant increases in working capital. The estimates reflect modest declines in demand consistent with the generally negative economic outlook and do not assume significant discontinuities related to the supply of natural gas particularly in Europe.
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Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 21,000 employees in 63 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet plan crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering better life. The Group’s innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world’s top three companies for the vast majority of its activities and delivered net sales of €10.1 billion in 2021. Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels (SOLB) and Paris. Learn more at www.solvay.com.