Surface Technologies Q2 2019 We considerably increased sales in the Surface Technologies segment compared with the second quarter of 2018. This was mainly attributable to considerably higher sales in the Catalysts division. Sales rose slightly in the Construction Chemicals division and were slightly below the level of the prior-year quarter in the Coatings division. (XLS:) Download Factors influencing sales in Q2 2019 – Surface Technologies Surface Technologies Catalysts Coatings Construction Chemicals Volumes (4%) (4%) (5%) (2%) Prices 11% 18% 3% 2% Portfolio 0% 0% 0% 0% Currencies 2% 4% 0% 2% Sales 9% 18% (2%) 2% The sales growth was attributable to higher prices in all divisions, especially in the Catalysts division, as well as positive currency effects in the Catalysts and Construction Chemicals divisions. Sales volumes declined slightly in all divisions. Demand was weaker from the automotive industry in particular. The Catalysts division recorded lower volumes, particularly for chemical catalysts and in precious metal trading, while volumes development for refining catalysts was slightly positive. In precious metal trading, sales rose to €1,065 million (second quarter of 2018: €801 million) as higher prices more than compensated for the decline in volumes. In the Coatings division, sales volumes declined significantly for automotive OEM coatings and surface treatments, and were slightly lower for automotive refinish coatings. By contrast, we recorded considerable volumes growth for decorative paints. The Construction Chemicals division considerably improved sales in North America with better prices and positive currency effects. Sales rose slightly in the region South America, Africa, Middle East due to higher prices and positive currency effects. In Europe, sales remained on a level with the prior-year quarter, with higher prices offsetting lower volumes and negative currency effects. Sales in Asia were likewise flat year on year; negative portfolio effects were offset by positive currency effects. Income from operations (EBIT) before special items was slightly higher than in the second quarter of 2018. This was attributable to a significant improvement in EBIT before special items in the Construction Chemicals and Coatings divisions, mainly as a result of lower fixed costs and higher margins. Considerably lower EBIT before special items in the Catalysts division, mainly due to lower volumes, had an offsetting effect. (XLS:) Download Segment data – Surface Technologies (Million €) Q2 H1 2019 2018 +/– 2019 2018 +/– a Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including impairments and reversals of impairments) b Additions to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment Sales to third parties 3,841 3,508 9% 7,443 6,693 11% of which Catalysts 2,222 1,884 18% 4,340 3,620 20% Coatings 939 960 (2%) 1,843 1,865 (1%) Construction Chemicals 680 664 2% 1,260 1,208 4% Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items 341 306 11% 643 591 9% Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) 325 299 9% 622 579 7% Depreciation and amortizationa 150 129 16% 297 255 16% Income from operations (EBIT) 175 170 3% 325 324 0% Special items (15) (8) (88%) (24) (13) (85%) EBIT before special items 190 178 7% 349 337 4% Assets (June 30) 14,251 13,665 4% 14,251 13,665 4% Investments including acquisitionsb 148 111 33% 261 204 28% Research and development expenses 60 65 (8%) 118 130 (9%) back next