Brenntag shows Growth across all Geographies and confirms 2017 Forecast

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Essen, Germany) has published results for Q3-2017 yesterday.

Brenntag’s sales increased 10.4% versus Q3-2016, to EUR 2’892.5 mn (+13.9% on a constant currency basis). Gross Profit was EUR 619.4 mn, an increase of 4.3% as reported, or 7.7% on a constant currency basis. Overall, the group generated a third-quarter Operating EBITDA of EUR 216.0 mn (equivalent to 7.32% Retorn on Sales / ROS) , 5.3%  up on a year-on-year comparison as reported (an increase of 8.4 % on a constant currency basis).

Profit after tax was up at EUR 100.8 mn (compared to EUR 93.4 mn in Q3-2016). This results in earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of EUR 0.65 per share, an increase of 8.3%.

At a level of EUR 146.0 mn in the third quarter of 2017, free cash flow was down compared to the prior-year figure (EUR 190.1 mn EUR), mainly due  to rising working capital caused by increased prices for chemical products.

Steven Holland, CEO of Brenntag AG is reported commenting: “We delivered a strong performance in the third quarter of 2017. All regions contributed to this result and showed positive growth. North America in particular delivered excellent earnings and strong organic growth. We are pleased with this encouraging performance from the Group in the third quarter. Against this background, we are confirming the forecast given for 2017 as a whole.”

More details can be obtained via the link http://www.brenntag.com/media/documents/news/news_2017/20171108_pm_q3_2017_en_final.pdf

Source: Brenntag press release

HGE – DCG / 09.11.2017