Industrial Solutions

Q2 2020

In the Industrial Solutions segment, sales in both divisions declined considerably compared with the prior-year quarter.

The decrease was primarily due to significantly lower volumes in both divisions. The development of sales volumes in the Performance Chemicals division was negatively impacted by weak demand, especially in the fuel and lubricant solutions and oilfield chemicals businesses. In the Dispersions & Pigments division, higher semiconductor volumes in the electronic materials business were unable to offset lower volumes in all other business areas.

Slightly lower prices in both divisions, but especially in the Dispersions & Pigments division, also contributed to the sales decrease. Price levels declined, mainly due to lower raw materials prices.

Portfolio effects in the Performance Chemicals division from the divestiture of inge GmbH as of December 31, 2019, had a slightly negative impact on sales.

Income from operations (EBIT) before special items in both divisions decreased considerably compared with the prior-year quarter. This was mainly driven by the development of volumes. Slightly lower fixed costs had an offsetting effect in both divisions.