Chemicals

Q2 2020

In the Chemicals segment, sales1 declined considerably compared with the second quarter of 2019 in both divisions, but especially in the Petrochemicals division.

1 For sales, “slight” represents a change of 1–5%, while “considerable” applies to changes of 6% and higher. “At prior-year level” indicates no change (+/–0%). For earnings, “slight” means a change of 1–10%, while “considerable” is used for changes of 11% and higher. “At prior-year level” indicates no change (+/–0%).

Factors influencing sales in Q2 2020 – Chemicals

 

Chemicals

Petrochemicals

Intermediates

Volumes

7%

13%

(6%)

Prices

(25%)

(33%)

(8%)

Portfolio

0%

0%

0%

Currencies

0%

0%

0%

Sales

(18%)

(20%)

(14%)

The sales decrease was primarily the result of significantly lower prices in both divisions. In the Petrochemicals division, the decrease in prices was largely due to higher product availability on the market and lower raw materials prices. The lower prices in the Intermediates division mainly reflected continued weak demand.

By contrast, we were able to increase sales volumes in the Chemicals segment thanks to the positive development of volumes in the Petrochemicals division. Following the scheduled turnarounds of our steam crackers in Port Arthur, Texas, and Antwerp, Belgium, in the second quarter of 2019, we were able to significantly increase volumes of steam cracker products in the second quarter of 2020 and compensate for the decrease in sales volumes in the rest of the portfolio as a result of the corona pandemic. Sales were reduced by lower sales volumes in the Intermediates division due to the effects of the corona pandemic, especially in the acids and polyalcohols business and in the butanediol and derivatives business.

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items was considerably below the level of the prior-year quarter. The considerable decrease affected both divisions, but in particular the Intermediates division. Here, the decline in earnings was primarily due to lower volumes and higher fixed costs, primarily as a result of the gradual startup of the new acetylene plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Higher margins on the back of lower raw materials prices had an offsetting effect and led overall to positive EBIT before special items in the Intermediates division.

EBIT before special items declined in the Petrochemicals division, mainly due to scheduled turnarounds in Nanjing, China, and lower margins. In addition, an unscheduled turnaround occurred in June at our steam cracker in Port Arthur, Texas.

Segment data – Chemicals (Million €)

 

Q2

H1

 

2020

2019

+/–

2020

2019

+/–

a

Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (including impairments and reversals of impairments)

b

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Sales to third parties

1,791

2,180

(18%)

4,141

4,728

(12%)

of which Petrochemicals

1,173

1,463

(20%)

2,812

3,266

(14%)

Intermediates

618

717

(14%)

1,329

1,462

(9%)

Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items

216

302

(28%)

607

791

(23%)

Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)

210

286

(27%)

596

771

(23%)

Depreciation and amortizationa

228

323

(29%)

444

506

(12%)

Income from operations (EBIT)

(18)

(37)

51%

152

265

(43%)

Special items

(16)

(156)

90%

(20)

(160)

88%

EBIT before special items

(2)

119

.

172

425

(60%)

Assets (June 30)

8,642

9,058

(5%)

8,642

9,058

(5%)

Investments including acquisitionsb

153

337

(55%)

513

572

(10%)

Research and development expenses

24

26

(8%)

49

53

(8%)