FORM 6-K
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
7 February 2006
Report of Foreign issuer
Pursuant
to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Commission file number) 0 - 017444
Akzo
Nobel N.V.
(Translation of registrants name into English)
76,
Velperweg, 6824 BM Arnhem, the Netherlands
(Address of principal executive offices)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
Akzo Nobel N.V.
Name : | R.J. Frohn | Name : | J.J.M. Derckx |
Title : | Chief Financial Officer | Title : | Director Corporate Control |
Dated : April 20, 2006
The following
exhibit
is filed with this report
Akzo Nobel Report for the first quarter of 2006
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Key Figures
Millions
of euros (EUR)
|
|
1st
quarter
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
2006 |
2005
|
% | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
3,392
|
3,041 | 12 | ||||
Operating
income excluding incidentals (EBIT)
|
332
|
274 | 21 | ||||
EBIT margin, in %
|
9.8
|
9.0 | |||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
375
|
419 | (11 | ) | |||
EBIT margin, in %
|
11.1
|
13.8 | |||||
Net
income
|
249
|
287 | (13 | ) | |||
per share, in EUR
|
0.87
|
1.00 | |||||
Number
of employees
|
61,490
|
61,340 | 1 | ||||
61,080 | 2 | ||||||
|
1
At December 31.
2 At March 31.
Operational earnings substantially up, led by Coatings | |
| Organon continued strong growth; higher pipeline costs |
| Intervet record quarterly revenues; solid earnings growth |
| Coatings excellent growth; significantly improved EBIT margin |
| Chemicals new growth strategy paying off; strong start to the year |
| Net income affected by on balance lower incidental benefits |
| Offer made for Sico Canadas leading coatings company |
| Chemicals 2005 divestment program making good progress |
| Strong financial position |
1
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
The report for the 2nd
quarter of 2006 will be published on July 20, 2006.
Note
The data in this report are
unaudited.
Revenues consist of sales of goods and services, and royalty income.
Autonomous growth is defined as the change in revenues attributable to changed volumes and selling prices. It excludes currency, acquisition, and divestment effects.
Incidentals are special benefits, results on divestments, restructuring and impairment charges, and charges related to major legal, antitrust, and environmental cases. Operating income excluding incidentals is one of the key figures management uses to assess the companys performance, as this figure better reflects the underlying trends in the results of the activities.
EBIT margin is operating income (EBIT) as percentage of revenues.
Safe Harbor Statement*
This report contains statements
which address such key issues as Akzo Nobels growth strategy, future financial
results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the
pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered,
and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual
results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not
limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, progress of drug development,
clinical testing and regulatory approval, developments in raw material and personnel
costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative,
fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based
on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external
agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting
our business please see our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which can be found on the
companys corporate website www.akzonobel.com. The 2005 Annual Report on
Form 20-F will be available at the end of the second quarter of 2006.
* Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995.
2
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
C O N S O L I D A T E D S T A T E M E N T O F I N C O M E
Millions
of euros
|
1st
quarter
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
2006 | 2005 | % | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
3,392 | 3,041 | 12 | ||||
Cost
of sales
|
(1,796 | ) | (1,613 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Gross
profit
|
1,596 | 1,428 | |||||
Selling
expenses
|
(857 | ) | (780 | ) | |||
Research
and development expenses
|
(223 | ) | (193 | ) | |||
General
and administrative expenses
|
(182 | ) | (180 | ) | |||
Other
operating income
|
1 | (1 | ) | ||||
IAS
39 fair value adjustments
|
(3 | ) | | ||||
Incidentals:
|
|||||||
special benefits
|
| 149 | |||||
results on divestments
|
128 | 2 | |||||
restructuring and impairment charges
|
(42 | ) | (5 | ) | |||
charges related to major legal, antitrust, and
|
|||||||
environmental
cases
|
(43 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
375 | 419 | (11 | ) | |||
Financing
charges
|
(36 | ) | (32 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Operating
income less financing charges
|
339 | 387 | |||||
Taxes
|
(104 | ) | (105 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Earnings
of consolidated companies after taxes
|
235 | 282 | (17 | ) | |||
Earnings
from nonconsolidated companies
|
18 | 13 | |||||
|
|
||||||
Profit
for the period
|
253 | 295 | |||||
Minority
interest, attributable to minority shareholders
|
(4 | ) | (8 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Net
income, attributable to equity holders
|
249 | 287 | (13 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
EBIT margin, in % | 11.1 | 13.8 | |||||
Interest coverage | 10.4 | 13.1 | |||||
Net income per share, in EUR | |||||||
basic | 0.87 | 1.00 | |||||
diluted | 0.87 | 1.00 | |||||
EBITDA | 516 | 556 | (7 | ) | |||
Capital expenditures | 90 | 109 | |||||
Depreciation | 129 | 130 | |||||
|
3
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
S E G M E N T D A T A
Millions
of euros
|
1st
quarter
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
2006 | 2005 | % | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
|||||||
Organon
|
644 | 576 | 12 | ||||
Intervet
|
282 | 262 | 8 | ||||
Coatings
|
1,434 | 1,241 | 16 | ||||
Chemicals
|
1,037 | 957 | 8 | ||||
Intercompany
revenues/other
|
(5 | ) | 5 | ||||
|
|
||||||
Total
|
3,392 | 3,041 | 12 | ||||
|
|
||||||
Operating
income (EBIT) excluding
|
|||||||
incidentals
|
|||||||
Organon
|
85 | 89 | (4 | ) | |||
Intervet
|
58 | 53 | 9 | ||||
Coatings
|
104 | 62 | 68 | ||||
Chemicals
|
114 | 99 | 15 | ||||
Other
|
(29 | ) | (29 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Total
|
332 | 274 | 21 | ||||
|
|
||||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
9.8 | 9.0 | |||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
|||||||
Organon
|
81 | 236 | (66 | ) | |||
Intervet
|
58 | 53 | 9 | ||||
Coatings
|
209 | 62 | 237 | ||||
Chemicals
|
86 | 97 | (11 | ) | |||
Other
|
(59 | ) | (29 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Total
|
375 | 419 | (11 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
11.1 | 13.8 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Revenues
autonomous growth 8%
Revenues
of EUR 3.4 billion were up 12% on last year. Autonomous growth was 8%, with
all segments contributing. Volumes increased 5% and prices were 3% higher. Currency
translation had a 4% positive effect. Total revenues of Akzo Nobel developed
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency
|
Acquisitions/
|
||||||||||
In % | Total |
Volume
|
Price | translation |
divestments
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Organon | 12 |
6
|
2
|
4
|
| ||||||
Intervet | 8 |
4
|
1
|
5
|
(2 | ) | |||||
Coatings | 16 |
7
|
2
|
5
|
2 | ||||||
Chemicals | 8 |
3
|
4
|
3
|
(2 | ) | |||||
Akzo Nobel | 12 |
5
|
3
|
4
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operational earnings
up 21%, led by Coatings
Excluding incidentals, operating
income rose 21% from EUR 274 million to EUR 332 million.
The EBIT margin was 9.8%, against 9.0% in the first quarter of 2005. Including
incidentals, operating income decreased 11% to EUR 375 million, with an EBIT
margin of 11.1% (2005: 13.8%).
Organon achieved significant revenues growth. As expected, R&D expenses increased in line with pipeline developments. Marketing expenses were also higher and included a direct-to-customer advertising campaign to promote NuvaRing® in the United States. Intervet realized solid earnings gains resulting from volume growth. Coatings earnings excluding incidentals were up 68% driven by substantial revenues growth at all businesses. Chemicals earnings excluding incidentals were up 15%, despite higher energy and raw material prices.
Incidentals
on balance a gain of EUR 43 million
Incidentals in 2006 resulted
in a net gain of EUR 43 million (2005: gain of EUR 145 million).
In 2006, results on divestments of EUR 128 million were attributable to the sale of a Coatings plant near Barcelona, Spain, and to the divestment of the 65% interest in our Malaysian oleochemicals joint ventures, the Polymerization Catalysts & Components business in the United States, and the Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) activities. The restructuring and impairment charges of EUR 42 million predominantly related to restructuring activities at Chemicals sites, especially Delfzijl, the Netherlands. Additions to the provisions for antitrust and environmental cases resulted in charges of EUR 43 million.
The incidentals for the first quarter of 2005 included the EUR 149 million special benefit resulting from the termination of the Risperdal® copromotion.
5
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Financing charges increased from EUR 32 million to EUR 36 million, mainly due to IFRS accounting consequences for fair value changes of an interest swap. Interest coverage in the first quarter was 10.4 (2005: 13.1).
The income tax charge in the first quarter of 2006 was 31%, compared with 27% in 2005. The 2005 figure included the positive effect of the low tax charge on the EUR 149 million special benefit from the termination of the Risperdal® copromotion in that quarter.
Net income down
13%
The combination of improved
operational earnings and higher incidental charges resulted in a 13% decrease
of net income
to EUR 249 million. Earnings per share were EUR 0.87 (2005: EUR 1.00).
Excluding incidentals, net income rose 39% from EUR 155 million to EUR 215 million.
Workforce
on balance up 150
At the end of the first quarter
of 2006, the company had 61,490 employees, compared with 61,340 at year-end
2005 and 61,080 at March 31, 2005. Cost saving measures at Coatings and Chemicals
resulted in a decrease of 150 in the first quarter of 2006, while growth of
certain businesses and seasonal influences resulted in a workforce expansion
of 320. Developments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
Acquisitions/
|
Other
|
December
31,
|
||||||||
2006
|
Restructurings
|
divestments
|
changes
|
2005
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Organon
|
14,080
|
(60
|
)
|
40
|
14,100
|
||||||
Intervet
|
5,320
|
60
|
5,260
|
||||||||
Coatings
|
29,730
|
(80
|
)
|
320
|
290
|
29,200
|
|||||
Chemicals
|
10,990
|
(70
|
)
|
(280
|
)
|
(90
|
)
|
11,430
|
|||
Other
|
1,370
|
20
|
1,350
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Akzo
Nobel
|
61,490 | (150 | ) | (20 | ) | 320 | 61,340 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The workforce expansion from acquisitions mainly concerns Swiss Lack. The reductions from divestments related to our Malaysian oleochemicals joint ventures, the Polymerization Catalysts & Components business in the United States, and the Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) activities.
6
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Akzo Nobel listed
on FTSE4Good Index
Akzo Nobels strong
commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has received further recognition
with an inclusion on the FTSE Groups prestigious FTSE4Good Index. The
European equivalent of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes in the United States
(on which Akzo Nobel was included last year), the FTSE4Good indexeswhich
are used extensively by investors worldwidemeasure the performance of
companies that meet globally recognized CSR standards.
Trading conditions
2006
In the current environment,
we expect the company to be well-positioned for significant further growth of
revenues across its portfolio.
With respect to earnings, we expect to achieve increases in our ongoing activities in Chemicals, robust improvements in our Coatings business, and a continuation of the positive trends at Intervet. At Organon, we plan to find the right balance between the required expenditures in R&D and marketing and sales for new products, with the ambition to protect our margin.
7
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Organon continued strong growth; higher pipeline costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Millions
of euros
|
1st
quarter
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
2006 |
2005
|
% | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
644 | 576 | 12 | ||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
81 | 236 | (66 | ) | |||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
12.6 | 41.0 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT
excluding incidentals
|
85 | 89 | (4 | ) | |||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
13.2 | 15.5 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&D
expenses as % of revenues
|
31.9 | 31.9 | |||||
R&D
expenses as % of revenues
|
19.2 | 16.3 | |||||
EBITDA
|
113 | 266 | (58 | ) | |||
Capital
expenditures
|
15 | 15 | |||||
Invested
capital
|
1,760 | 1,781 | 1 | ||||
Number
of employees
|
14,080 | 14,100 | 1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 At December 31.
| Revenues continued strong growth; up 12% |
| R&D expenses up 32% on last year; investing in pipeline |
| Infertility products continued growth trend |
| NuvaRing® strong sales growth, especially in the United States |
| Anesthesia ongoing positive trend |
8
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
The first quarter of 2006 showed continued improvement in top line performance. Organon revenues were EUR 644 million, 12% higher than in the previous year. Autonomous growth was 8%, while 4% was attributable to currency translation.
Operating income excluding incidentals amounted to EUR 85 million, which was 4% down on last year. S&D expenses were 12% higher and R&D expenses were increased by 32%, mainly due to late-stage development projects.
Including incidentals, operating income decreased from EUR 236 million to EUR 81 million. 2005 included the EUR 149 million special benefit for the termination of the Risperdal® copromotion.
The main products developed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Millions
of euros
|
Revenues
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Autonomous
growth, %
|
|||||||
1st quarter |
|
||||||
2006 | on Q-1 2005 | on Q-4 2005 | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Contraceptives
|
159 | 15 | 6 | ||||
of
which NuvaRing®
|
43 | 66 | 12 | ||||
Puregon®/Follistim®
|
99 | 14 | 9 | ||||
Remeron®
|
67 | (8 | ) | 3 | |||
Anesthesia
|
60 | 15 | 11 | ||||
Livial®
|
37 | 2 | (8 | ) | |||
Pharmaceutical
ingredients
|
54 | (2 | ) | (24 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NuvaRing® continued its strong performance of last year, with revenues of EUR 43 million growing 66% compared with the first quarter of 2005, mainly due to higher sales in the United States. The direct-to-customer advertising campaign in that country clearly led to accelerated sales growth. In most other countries where NuvaRing® is marketed, the product also continues its strong growth momentum.
Puregon® had yet another strong quarter with sales nearing the EUR 100 million mark, up 14% on last year. The product has now also been introduced in China, while sales in Japan are taking off after the launch late last year.
The anesthesia products continued their positive growth trends, led by Esmeron®/Zemuron® and Anzemet®.
The sales decrease of Livial® is gradually bottoming out. Remeron® sales in Europe are still decreasing at a slow pace, while U.S. sales are only marginal.
Pharmaceutical ingredients turned in a stable performance compared with last year, in spite of the ongoing pressure from increased competition and overcapacity in the market.
9
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Intervet record quarterly revenues; solid earnings growth
Millions
of euros
|
1st
quarter
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
2006 |
2005
|
% | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
282 | 262 |
8
|
||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
58 | 53 |
9
|
||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
20.6 | 20.2 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT
excluding incidentals
|
58 | 53 |
9
|
||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
20.6 | 20.2 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S&D
expenses as % of revenues
|
24.1 | 23.1 | |||||
R&D
expenses as % of revenues
|
9.6 | 10.7 | |||||
EBITDA
|
72 | 66 |
9
|
||||
Capital
expenditures
|
8 | 13 | |||||
Invested
capital
|
952 | 883 | 1 | ||||
Number
of employees
|
5,320 | 5,260 | 1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 At December 31.
| Revenues up 8% to EUR 282 million all-time high |
| 5% autonomous revenues growth |
| EBIT margin of 20.6% |
| Delivering on growth in emerging markets Asia and Latin America |
| Integration of AgVax businesses (New Zealand) progressing well |
10
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Revenues at Intervet (animal healthcare products) grew 8% to EUR 282 million, an all-time high quarterly revenues figure. Autonomous growth was 5%, while currency translations had a positive effect of 5%. Acquisitions and divestments from 2005, on balance, had a negative impact of 2%. The divestment concerned certain feed additives businesses, while the acquisition related to AgVax in New Zealand, the integration of which is progressing according to plan.
As a result of this strong revenues growth, Intervets operating income grew 9% to EUR 58 million, with the EBIT margin increasing to 20.6% (2005: 20.2%).
Revenues in Europewhere Intervet generates more than 50% of its revenuesgrew 2%, despite cases of avian influenza and excluding the effect of the aforementioned divestment of the feed additives businesses. Institutional demand for avian influenza vaccines by European authorities has so far been limited. With the recent launch of Equine Regumate® (to regulate fertility in horses) and Cobactan® I.V. (modern antibiotic for horses), Intervet successfully strengthened its market position in the European equine market. Market response to the recently introduced Chronogest® CR (for fertility management in sheep) has also been extremely encouraging.
Revenues in North America grew 23%, driven by currency gains and expenditures made for continued product development and marketing.
Benefiting from currency gains and economic growth, revenues in Latin America rose 18%. Revenues in the rest of the world grew 31%, boosted by increased revenues in the Asian region, which is recovering from the economic consequences of avian influenza.
11
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Coatings excellent growth; significantly improved EBIT margin
Millions
of euros
|
1st
quarter
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
2006 |
2005
|
% | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
|||||||
Decorative
Coatings
|
481 | 442 | |||||
Industrial
activities
|
474 | 387 | |||||
Marine
& Protective Coatings
|
270 | 226 | |||||
Car
Refinishes
|
234 | 209 | |||||
Intragroup
revenues/other
|
(25 | ) | (23 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Total
|
1,434 | 1,241 | 16 | ||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
209 | 62 | 237 | ||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
14.6 | 5.0 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT
excluding incidentals
|
104 | 62 | 68 | ||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
7.3 | 5.0 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
243 | 94 | 159 | ||||
Capital
expenditures
|
22 | 18 | |||||
Invested
capital
|
2,491 | 2,259 | 1 | ||||
Number
of employees
|
29,730 | 29,200 | 1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 At December 31.
| Autonomous growth 9% across the board |
| Sharp increase in operating income and EBIT margin |
| Raw material price pressure from solvents and metals |
| Decorative Coatings challenging business conditions; further focus on costs |
| Car Refinishes turning the corner; focus on costs continues |
| Industrial activities excellent performance |
| Marine & Protective Coatings strong earnings growth; metal prices increasing |
| Offer made for Sico Canadas leading coatings company |
| Construction of new production facility in Spain announced site near Barcelona sold |
12
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Coatings revenues
of EUR 1.4 billion were up 16% on the previous year. Autonomous revenues growth
was 9%. In particular, business in Asia turned in solid growth. In total, volumes
rose 7%, while selling prices were 2% higher. Currency translation had a positive
effect of 5%.
Acquisitions, predominantly
Swiss Lack and Zweihorn, added 2% to revenues.
As a result of this strong revenues growth, operating income, excluding incidentals, jumped 68% to EUR 104 million, with a significantly improved EBIT margin of 7.3% (2005: 5.0%).
The business conditions for the decorative coatings activities in Western Europe continue to be challenging. We are actively pursuing restructuring measures to adjust the cost base in this region. In addition, we have initiated the global integration of our decorative coatings businesses.
Car Refinishes is clearly turning the corner with its new strategy and the adjusted cost base. Margins improved significantly, but the focus on costs will continue, particularly in Europe.
The industrial activities achieved substantial earnings growth in most businesses and in virtually all regions, notably coil, wood, powder, and specialty plastics coatings. The businesses have been able to achieve hard-fought price increases to reduce the pressure on margins from higher raw material prices without a commensurate loss in volumes. The industrial activities have placed high priority on emerging markets, China in particular, and are rebalancing assets towards these fast growing regions.
Marine & Protective Coatings continued its good performance in almost every region and market sector. Our protective coatings activities benefited from the high investment levels in the oil and gas industry. Overall, demand for our higher value-added products helped to offset the squeeze on margins from higher raw material prices, in particular metals (copper and zinc) and solvents.
Including incidentals, operating income surged from EUR 62 million to EUR 209 million. Incidental gains include a book profit made on the divestment of a plant near Barcelona, Spain. This divestment is part of an expansion plan for our activities on the Iberian Peninsula which includes the construction of a new facility in the greater Barcelona area.
On April 5, 2006, Akzo Nobel made an offer of around EUR 210 million to acquire Sico Inc., Canadas leading coatings company. Active in the architectural coatings market, Sico develops, manufactures and markets architectural paints and industrial coatings. It employs around 1,000 people in Canada, the United States, and Mexico and achieved revenues in 2005 of EUR 220 million.
13
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Chemicals new growth strategy paying off; strong start to the year
Millions
of euros
|
1st
quarter
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
2006 |
2005
|
% | |||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
|||||||
Pulp
& Paper Chemicals
|
247 | 209 | |||||
Base
Chemicals
|
206 | 217 | |||||
Functional
Chemicals
|
193 | 172 | |||||
Surfactants
|
138 | 125 | |||||
Polymer
Chemicals
|
132 | 111 | |||||
Activities
(to be) divested
|
164 | 171 | |||||
Intragroup
revenues/other
|
(43 | ) | (48 | ) | |||
|
|
||||||
Total
|
1,037 | 957 | 8 | ||||
Operating
income (EBIT)
|
86 | 97 | (11 | ) | |||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
8.3 | 10.1 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBIT
excluding incidentals
|
114 | 99 | 15 | ||||
EBIT
margin, in %
|
11.0 | 10.3 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
143 | 157 | (9 | ) | |||
Capital
expenditures
|
43 | 62 | |||||
Invested
capital
|
2,336 | 2,291 | 1 | ||||
Number
of employees
|
10,990 | 11,430 | 1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 At December 31.
| Autonomous growth of 7% |
| Improved EBIT margin, excluding incidentals |
| Pressure from energy and raw material prices |
| Pulp & Paper, Polymer, and Functional Chemicals and Surfactants double digit revenues growth |
| Several restructuring programs in progress; in particular at Base Chemicals |
| 2005 divestment program on track |
14
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
First quarter revenues at Chemicals were EUR 1.0 billion, 8% up on last year. This was mainly attributable to 7% autonomous growth, with 3% volume growth at 4% higher selling prices. Currency translation had a positive effect of 3%, whereas divestments caused a 2% decrease.
Excluding incidentals, operating income rose 15% to EUR 114 million. The EBIT margin was 11.0% (2005: 10.3%). The strategy of establishing five platforms for growth is paying off, supported by favorable market conditions and currencies. Including incidentals, operating income decreased 11% to EUR 86 million, as a consequence of higher net incidental charges. The incidentals included restructuring and impairment charges, in particular for the Delfzijl site in the Netherlands, partially offset by gains on divestments.
Pulp and Paper Chemicals realized sound revenues growth with higher volumes in all regions and product lines, although earnings were impacted by steeply increased energy prices and expenses for several scheduled maintenance stops.
Market conditions for Base Chemicals' chlor-alkali business were less favorable compared with the excellent first quarter of 2005. This was partly offset by the good performance of the salt business, aided by the winter weather (road salt for de-icing).
Functional Chemicals achieved solid volume growth. Its results are clearly ahead of the previous year, although raw material prices still put pressure on margins. In particular, chelates and ethylene amines showed a solid improvement compared with 2005.
Revenues of Surfactants grew in all regions. Sales price increases largely covered the impact on the margins from increased raw material prices. In Europe, the cleaning and care activities performed very well, while sales of petroleum applications were very strong in the Americas.
Polymer Chemicals achieved a strong improvement due to both volume growth and higher sales prices. The polymer industry had a good start of the year. Our organic peroxide business achieved strong sales growth in the PVC segment, both in Europe and the Americas.
The divestment programwhich was announced in February 2005involves divesting 14 businesses. So far, Akzo Nobels Chemicals group has agreed 6 deals, with the company aiming to reach agreements for the remaining businesses by the middle of 2006. In the first quarter of 2006, the 65% majority interest in our Malaysian oleochemicals joint ventures, the Polymerization Catalysts & Components business in the United States, and the Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) activities were divested. On April 7, 2006, Akzo Nobel announced that it has agreed to sell its pioneering Helianthos solar cell production venture to Dutch energy company Nuon.
With several major investment projects having come on stream in 2005, capital expenditures were temporarily down to EUR 43 million, which is 77% of depreciation.
In March 2006, Akzo Nobel received official acceptance from the FDA regarding the self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status of the companys Ferrazone® iron compound. Ferrazone® is added to food or beverages to effectively tackle the chronic problem of iron deficiency, which affects around 3.5 billion people in the developing world.
15
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
C O N D E N S E D C O N S O L I D A T E D S T A T E M E N T O F C A S H F L O W S
Millions of euros | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
|||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Profit
for the period
|
253 | 295 | ||||||||
Adjustments
to reconcile earnings
|
||||||||||
to
cash generated from operating activities:
|
||||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
141 | 137 | ||||||||
Impairment
losses
|
5 | 2 | ||||||||
Financing
charges
|
36 | 32 | ||||||||
Earnings
from nonconsolidated companies
|
(14 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||
Taxes
recognized in income
|
106 | 108 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Operating
profit before changes in
|
||||||||||
working
capital and provisions
|
527 | 559 | ||||||||
Changes
in working capital
|
(326 | ) | (345 | ) | ||||||
Changes
in provisions
|
56 | (66 | ) | |||||||
Other
|
5 | (3 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
(265 | ) | (414 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Cash
generated from operating activities
|
262 | 145 | ||||||||
Interest
paid
|
(10 | ) | (4 | ) | ||||||
Income
taxes paid
|
(50 | ) | (106 | ) | ||||||
Pre-tax
gain on divestments
|
(128 | ) | 2 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
(188 | ) | (108 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Net
cash from operating activities
|
74 | 37 | ||||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
(90 | ) | (109 | ) | ||||||
Investments
in intangible assets
|
(2 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||
Interest
received
|
8 | 9 | ||||||||
Repayments
from nonconsolidated companies
|
7 | 4 | ||||||||
Dividends
from nonconsolidated companies
|
2 | 6 | ||||||||
Acquisition
of consolidated companies1
|
(33 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds
from sale of interests1
|
95 | |||||||||
Other
changes in noncurrent assets
|
24 | 8 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Net
cash from investing activities
|
11 | (109 | ) | |||||||
Changes
in borrowings
|
16 | 58 | ||||||||
Issue
of shares
|
5 | |||||||||
Dividends
|
(2 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Net
cash from financing activities
|
19 | 53 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Net
change in cash and cash equivalents
|
104 | (19 | ) | |||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at January 1
|
1,486 | 1,811 | ||||||||
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash and
|
||||||||||
cash
equivalents and impact IAS 32 and 39
|
(6 | ) | 10 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at March 31
|
1,584 | 1,802 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Net of cash acquired or disposed of.
16
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Funds balance
up proceeds from divestments
Cash and cash equivalents
increased EUR 104 million in the first quarter of 2006, compared with a virtually
unchanged balance in 2005. This increase was mainly attributable to proceeds
from divestments. Working capital demand was somewhat lower than in the first
quarter of 2005, despite significantly higher revenues growth.
Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 90 million, EUR 19 million below the 2005 level. Capital expenditures were 70% of depreciation. Investments were temporarily lower at Chemicals.
Acquisition expenditures predominantly concerned Swiss Lack.
Proceeds from sale of interests principally related to the first installment for the sale of a Coatings plant near Barcelona, Spain, and to the divestment of the 65% interest in our Malaysian oleochemicals joint ventures, the Polymerization Catalysts & Components business in the United States, and the Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) activities.
17
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
C O N D E N S E D C O N S O L I D A T E D B A L A N C E S H E E T
|
|
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
December
31,
|
||||
Millions of euros | 2006 | 2005 | |||
|
|
|
|||
Property,
plant and equipment
|
3,340 | 3,432 | |||
Intangible
assets
|
489 | 488 | |||
Financial
noncurrent assets
|
1,982 | 1,800 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
noncurrent assets
|
5,811 | 5,720 | |||
Inventories
|
2,010 | 1,987 | |||
Receivables
|
3,247 | 2,910 | |||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
1,584 | 1,486 | |||
Assets
held for sale
|
306 | 322 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
current assets
|
7,147 | 6,705 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
assets
|
12,958 | 12,425 | |||
|
|
||||
Akzo
Nobel N.V. shareholders' equity
|
3,674 | 3,415 | |||
Minority
interest
|
152 | 161 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
equity
|
3,826 | 3,576 | |||
Provisions
|
2,251 | 2,210 | |||
Deferred
income
|
42 | 27 | |||
Deferred
tax liabilities
|
168 | 156 | |||
Long-term
borrowings
|
2,693 | 2,702 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
noncurrent liabilities
|
5,154 | 5,095 | |||
Short-term
borrowings
|
374 | 357 | |||
Current
payables
|
3,551 | 3,337 | |||
Liabilities
held for sale
|
53 | 60 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
current liabilities
|
3,978 | 3,754 | |||
|
|
||||
Total
equity and liabilities
|
12,958 | 12,425 | |||
|
|
||||
Gearing
|
0.39 | 0.44 | |||
Invested
capital
|
8,217 | 8,007 | |||
Shareholders
equity per share, in EUR
|
12.85 | 11.95 | |||
Number
of shares outstanding, in millions
|
285.9 | 285.8 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
18
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
C H A N G E S I N E Q U I T Y
Share-
|
|||||||
holders
|
Minority
|
||||||
Millions of euros | equity | interest | Equity | ||||
|
|
|
|
||||
Balance
at December 31, 2005
|
3,415 | 161 | 3,576 | ||||
Equity
settled transactions
|
4 | 4 | |||||
Changes
in fair value of derivatives
|
16 | 16 | |||||
Changes
in exchange rates in respect of affiliated
|
|||||||
companies
|
(15 | ) | (1 | ) | (16 | ) | |
|
|
|
|||||
Income
directly recognized in equity
|
5 | (1 | ) | 4 | |||
Profit
for the period
|
249 | 4 | 253 | ||||
|
|
|
|||||
Total
income
|
254 | 3 | 257 | ||||
Dividend
paid
|
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
Shares
issued upon exercising of stock options
|
5 | 5 | |||||
Changes
minority interest in subsidiaries
|
(10 | ) | (10 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|||||
Balance
at March 31, 2006
|
3,674 | 152 | 3,826 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strong financial
position
Invested capital at March
31, 2006, amounted to EUR 8.2 billion, EUR 0.2 billion higher than at December
31, 2005, mainly due to the seasonal increase of working capital.
Equity rose EUR 0.2 billion, mainly as a result of first quarter income. Net interest-bearing borrowings decreased EUR 0.1 billion to EUR 1.5 billion, principally due to the positive funds balance. As a consequence, gearing improved to 0.39 (December 31, 2005: 0.44).
During the first quarter of 2006, the rating agencies confirmed the companys credit ratings.
Arnhem, April 20, 2006 | The Board of Management |
19
Report for the 1st quarter of 2006
Additional
Information
|
Akzo
Nobel N.V.
|
The explanatory sheets used by the CFO during the | Velperweg 76 |
press conference can be viewed on Akzo Nobels | P.O. Box 9300 |
corporate website www.akzonobel.com. | 6800 SB Arnhem |
The Netherlands | |
Tel. + 31 26 366 4433 | |
Fax + 31 26 366 3250 | |
E-mail ACC@akzonobel.com | |
Internet www.akzonobel.com |
20