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Covestro AG

Quarterly Report Aug 3, 2016

84_10-q_2016-08-03_f4d1f4a3-4017-4c3f-9000-e1c63aee55ae.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Interim Report

Financial Report as of June 30, 2016 Half-Year Financial Report

2nd quarter
2015
2nd quarter
2016
Change 1st half
2015
1st half
2016
Change
€ million € million % € million € million %
Core volume growth1,2 +6.7% +7.7% +4.2% +8.1%
Sales 3,210 2,990 –6.9 6,264 5,865 –6.4
Change in sales
Volume +7.4% +4.5% +4.8% +4.9%
Price –6.4% –8.7% –5.4% –9.6%
Currency +10.0% –2.7% +10.1% –1.7%
Portfolio 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Sales by region
EMLA3 1,420 1,340 –5.6 2,788 2,641 –5.3
NAFTA4 888 787 –11.4 1,719 1,569 –8.7
APAC5 902 863 –4.3 1,757 1,655 –5.8
EBITDA6 439 542 +23.5 832 1,050 +26.2
Adjusted EBITDA7 498 542 +8.8 914 1,050 +14.9
EBIT8 267 364 +36.3 473 704 +48.8
Adjusted EBIT9 327 364 +11.3 578 704 +21.8
Financial result (46) (45) –2.2 (87) (123) –41.4
Net income10 152 230 +51.3 267 412 +54.3
Operating cash flow11 360 316 –12.2 544 440 –19.1
Cash outflows for additions to
property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets
130 79 –39.2 224 126 –43.8
Free operating cash flow12 230 237 +3.0 320 314 –1.9

1 Core volume growth refers to the core products in the Polyurethanes, Polycarbonates and Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segments. It is calculated as the percentage change in externally sold volumes in thousand tons compared with the prior year. Covestro also takes advantage of business opportunities outside its core business, for example the sale of raw materials and by-products such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide solution and styrene. These transactions are not included in core volume growth.

2 Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

3 EMLA: Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America (excl. Mexico) region

4 NAFTA: United States, Canada and Mexico region

5 APAC: Asia and Pacific region

6 EBITDA: EBIT plus depreciation and amortization

7 Adjusted EBITDA: EBITDA before special items 8 EBIT: Income after income taxes plus financial result and income taxes

9 Adjusted EBIT: EBIT before special items

10 Net income: income after income taxes attributable to the stockholders of Covestro AG

11 Operating cash flow: cash flow from operating activities according to IAS 7

12 Free operating cash flow: operating cash flow less cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets

Covestro Group Key Data 2
About This Report 4
Covestro on the Capital Market 5
Interim Group Management Report as of June 30, 2016 7
1. Business Development 8
2. Business Development by Segment 11
2.1 Polyurethanes 11
2.2 Polycarbonates 13
2.3 Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties 15
3. Asset and Financial Position of the Covestro Group 17
4. Economic Outlook 19
5. Report on Future Perspectives 20
6. Employees 20
7. Opportunities and Risks 21
Consolidated Interim Financial Statements as of June 30, 2016 22
Covestro Group Consolidated Income Statement 23
Covestro Group Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 24
Covestro Group Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 25
Covestro Group Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 26
Covestro Group Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 27
Notes to the Consolidated Interim Financial Statements 28
1. General Information 28
2. Effects of New Financial Reporting Standards 30
3. Segment and Regional Reporting 31
4. Scope of Consolidation 35
4.1 Changes in the Scope of Consolidation 35
4.2 Acquisitions and Divestitures 35
5. Earnings per Share 35
6. Provisions for Pensions and Other Post-employment Benefits 36
7. Stock-based Compensation Program 36
8. Financing 37
9. Financial Instruments 38
10. Legal Risks 43
11. Related Companies and Persons 44
12. Events After the End of the Reporting Period 45
Responsibility Statement 46
Review Report 47
Further Information 48
Segment and Quarterly Overview 49
Financial Calendar 52
Publishing Information 52

Reporting Principles

The consolidated interim report of Covestro AG meets the requirements for a half-yearly financial report pursuant to the applicable provisions of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG) and in accordance with Section 37w of the German Securities Trading Act comprises condensed consolidated interim financial statements, an interim Group management report and a responsibility statement. The consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with IAS 34 according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) as endorsed by the European Union (EU) and in effect at the closing date, as well as their Interpretations. This consolidated interim report should be read alongside the annual report for fiscal 2015 and the additional information about the company contained therein.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Interim Report may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by the management of Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the Group and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro's public reports, which are available on the Covestro website at www.covestro.com. The Group assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Rounding

As the indicators in this report are stated in accordance with commercial rounding principles, totals and percentages may not always be exact.

Percentage Deviations

Percentage deviations are only calculated and reported if they are no more than 100%. Larger deviations are reported as >100%, >200%, etc. If a deviation changes from positive to negative or vice versa, or if it is greater than 1,000%, this is shown by a period.

Reference Period

Covestro has existed as a company within the meaning of IFRSs since September 1, 2015. Therefore, all data for the reference period are as contained in the Combined Financial Statements. Please see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015, in our Annual Report 2015 for further information about the Combined Financial Statements. The Covestro Annual Report 2015 is available at www.covestro.com.

Alternative Performance Measures

Covestro uses alternative performance measures (APM) to assess the performance of the Group which are not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). Operating profitability at Covestro is measured using ROCE (return on capital employed) along with EBITDA (earnings before financial result, taxes, depreciation and amorzitation). Covestro calculates Group liquidity using free operating cash flow (operating cash flow in accordance with IAS 7 less cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets). In addition, debt is monitored using net financial debt. The sections entitled "Business Development," "Financial Position and Net Assets" and "Report on Expected Developments" contain definitions of these alternative performance measures and information on how they are calculated.

Abbreviations

The abbreviations used in this report are explained in the glossary of the Covestro Annual Report 2015.

This Interim Report was published in German and English on July 26, 2016. Only the German version is binding.

Inclusion in additional international stock indices

A few months ago, Covestro joined the MDAX and the STOXX Europe 600 indices. Now Covestro is included in two additional international stock indices. The company was added to the MSCI Global Standard Germany Index as of June 1, 2016, and to the FTSE Global Equity Index Series as of June 20, 2016. The MSCI Global Standard Germany Index is calculated by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI). Its international counterpart is the MSCI World Index, which represents equity performance across 23 developed markets countries and is considered one of the world's most important stock indices. Calculated by the FTSE Group, the FTSE Global Equity Index includes 8,000 stocks from 48 countries.

Both indices are of major global importance for a number of equity funds. Inclusion in these indices makes Covestro's stock even more visible to international investors.

Successful first Capital Markets Day

On May 12, 2016, Covestro held its first Capital Markets Day in Düsseldorf. Patrick Thomas (Board of Management Chairman) showcased the company's strategy, and Frank H. Lutz (Chief Financial Officer and Labor Director) outlined Covestro's key financials. Furthermore, the heads of segments presented the Group's three segments in detail. Attendees subsequently had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest product innovations and current application trends in the innovation hub at Covestro headquarters in Leverkusen.

Covestro stock in a volatile environment

Stock prices in markets in industrialized countries were deeply in negative territory in the first six months of 2016. Accordingly, the major indices such as the EURO STOXX 50 and the German benchmark DAX Index lost ground. At the end of June, the MDAX, which is relevant for Covestro, had given up 4.5% from year-end 2015, while the STOXX Europe 600 Chemicals Index shed 10.3% during the same period.

In contrast, Covestro stock finished the second quarter at a Xetra closing price of €39.95, up 18.8% since the end of 2015, thus significantly outperforming the relevant indices.

Dividend of €0.70 per share paid

At the company's first Annual Stockholders' Meeting on May 3, 2016, in Cologne, stockholders voted to approve the dividend of €0.70 per share proposed by the Board of Management and Supervisory Board of Covestro AG for the 2015 short fiscal year. This inaugural dividend was paid on May 4, 2016.

Buy recommendations from 14 analysts

An additional analyst has been covering Covestro since the second quarter of 2016, for a total of 17 investment firms covering the company's stock at the end of the quarter. A buy recommendation was issued by 14 analysts, two gave neutral assessments, and one advised investors to sell. The median share price target was €41.

Moody's Baa2 rating confirmed

On June 10, 2016, Moody's Investors Service in London again assigned Covestro the long-term issuer rating of Baa2 with stable outlook. By leaving the investment grade rating unchanged, the agency underscores the company's creditworthiness on international capital markets.

Covestro Share at a Glance

2nd quarter
2016
1st half
2016
Average daily turnover million shares 0.7 0.5
High 42.21 42.21
Low 30.91 25.48
Closing prices (closing date) 39.95 39.95
Outstanding shares (closing date) million shares 202.5 202.5
Market capitalization (closing date) € million 8,089 8,089

Xetra closing prices; source: Bloomberg

Interim Group Management Report

as of June 30, 2016

  • Strong core volume growth in Polyurethanes and Polycarbonates continues in second quarter of 2016
  • Further improvement in EBITDA with all segments contributing
  • Forecast for 2016 raised
  • Bayer loans repaid in full

Second quarter 2016

In the second quarter of 2016, the Covestro Group's core volume (in kilotons) was up substantially, by 7.7%, over the volume sold in the prior-year quarter. This was mainly attributable to the Polyurethanes and Polycarbonates segments, which saw strong growth rates of 9.0% and 8.5%, respectively. Core volumes in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment were down 1.8% below the figure in the prior-year quarter under the influence of the contractual termination of trading activities.

Second-quarter Group sales dropped by 6.9% as against the prior-year quarter to €2,990 million (previous year: €3,210 million). The decline in sales was chiefly the result of an 8.7% total decrease of the selling price level in all three reportable operating segments. In the Polyurethanes segment in particular, selling prices fell substantially below those of the prior-year quarter. In view of the mostly stable levels of supply and demand in Polyurethanes, the sharp price drop in this segment can be traced back to lower raw material prices. Moreover, exchange rate movements had a slightly negative effect on Group sales.

The total volumes sold boosted sales by 4.5% in the second quarter thanks especially to the growth in the Polycarbonates and Polyurethanes segments. Total volumes in Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties reduced sales by 0.6%. The difference between the effect of volumes on sales of 4.5% and the core volume growth of 7.7% was attributable primarily to lower volumes outside of the Polyurethanes core business.

All told, sales in the Polyurethanes segment were down 9.5% to €1,481 million in the second quarter (previous year: €1,637 million). The Polycarbonates segment saw stable sales of €831 million (previous year: €829 million). Sales of Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties declined 5.3% to €532 million (previous year: €562 million).

Group EBITDA was up 8.8% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year quarter, growing from €498 million to €542 million in the second quarter of 2016. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the past quarter (previous year: minus €59 million). Overall, lower raw material prices and higher volumes more than offset the effects of lower selling prices. Exchange rate movements had a negative effect on earnings of around €7 million.

The Polycarbonates segment's adjusted EBITDA rose by 27.3% to €191 million (previous year: €150 million). Adjusted EBITDA for the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment was €142 million, 3.6% higher than the prioryear figure of €137 million. In the Polyurethanes segment, adjusted EBITDA grew by 2.2% to €228 million (previous year: €223 million).

In the second quarter, the Covestro Group improved EBIT by 36.3% to €364 million (previous year: €267 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the second quarter (previous year: minus €60 million).

In the second quarter, research and development expenses declined modestly, by 3.1%, to €62 million (previous year: €64 million).

Taking into account a financial result of minus €45 million (previous year: minus €46 million), income before income taxes increased over the prior-year quarter to €319 million (previous year: €221 million). After tax expense of €86 million (previous year: €67 million), income after income taxes was €233 million (previous year: €154 million). After non-controlling interests, net income amounted to €230 million (previous year: €152 million).

In the second quarter, operating cash flow was down 12.2% to €316 million (previous year: €360 million). The key factors driving the decline, which far outweighed the improvement in EBITDA, were higher outflows for utilizing short-term personnel-related provisions and higher income tax payments.

Since fiscal 2016, the Covestro Group uses free operating cash flow as a significant key performance indicator for controlling the Group. This parameter reflects the company's internal financing capability.

In the second quarter, free operating cash flow rose to €237 million (previous year: €230 million). Reduced cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets more than offset the decrease in operating cash flow.

First half of 2016

The Group's core volume (in kilotons) in the first six months of 2016 was up significantly over the prior-year period, by 8.1%. This was mainly the result of increases in Polyurethanes and Polycarbonates, which reported robust growth of 9.7% and 8.5%, respectively. In the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment, core volumes were down 2.3% from the figure in the prior-year period as they were influenced by the contractual termination of trading activities.

In the first six months, Group sales dropped by 6.4% compared with the prior-year period to €5,865 million (previous year: €6,264 million). The decline in sales was chiefly the result of a 9.6% total decrease of the selling price level in all three reportable operating segments. In the Polyurethanes segment in particular, selling prices fell substantially below those of the prior-year period. Moreover, exchange rate movements had a slightly negative effect on Group sales.

The total volumes sold boosted sales by 4.9% in the first six months, mainly because of the substantial rise in the Polycarbonates and Polyurethanes segments. Total volumes in Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties reduced sales by 1.1%. The difference between the effect of volumes on sales of 4.9% and the core volume growth of 8.1% was attributable primarily to lower volumes outside of the Polyurethanes core business.

In total, sales in the Polyurethanes segment were down 9.6% to €2,884 million in the first six months (previous year: €3,191 million). In the Polycarbonates segment, sales climbed by 1.4% to €1,617 million (previous year: €1,594 million). Sales of Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties declined by 4.8% to €1,044 million (previous year: €1,097 million).

Consolidated EBITDA was up 14.9% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year period, growing from €914 million to €1,050 million in the first half of 2016. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the past half year (previous year: minus €82 million).

In the first six months, the Covestro Group improved EBIT by 48.8% to €704 million (previous year: €473 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the first half of the year (previous year: minus €105 million).

In the first six months of 2016, research and development expenses amounted to €125 million, unchanged from the previous year (€125 million).

Taking into account a financial result of minus €123 million (previous year: minus €87 million), income before income taxes increased over the prior-year period to €581 million (previous year: €386 million). After tax expense of €164 million (previous year: €114 million), income after income taxes was €417 million (previous year: €272 million). After non-controlling interests, net income amounted to €412 million (previous year: €267 million).

In the first six months, operating cash flow was down 19.1% to €440 million (previous year: €544 million).

Free operating cash flow declined to €314 million in the first six months (previous year: €320 million). Reduced cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets in part offset the decrease in operating cash flows.

Calculation of EBIT(DA)

Alongside the key indicators of core volume growth, return on capital employed (ROCE) and free operating cash flow (FOCF), Covestro also determines EBIT and EBITDA. In order to facilitate a more accurate assessment of business operations, EBIT and EBITDA for the reference period are adjusted for special items (see table). The special items comprise effects that are nonrecurring or do not regularly recur or attain similar magnitudes. EBITDA, EBIT, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT are not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards and should therefore be regarded only as supplementary information. EBITDA allows the comparison of operating performance over time since it is not affected by depreciation, amortization, impairment losses or impairment loss reversals.

Depreciation, amortization and impairments for the first half of 2016 decreased by 3.6% to €346 million (previous year: €359 million). They comprised €319 million (previous year: €337 million) in depreciation and impairments of property, plant and equipment and €27 million (previous year: €22 million) in amortization and impairments of intangible assets. No impairment loss reversals were recognized in either the reporting or reference period. Whereas in the first six months of 2015, €23 million in impairment losses were recognized as special items, no special items were recognized in the first half of 2016.

Special Items Reconciliation

EBIT
1st half 2015
EBIT
1st half 2016
EBITDA
1st half 2015
EBITDA
1st half 2016
€ million € million € million € million
Before special items 578 704 914 1,050
Polyurethanes (61) (38)
Polycarbonates (1) (1)
Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties (4) (4)
Others/Consolidation (39) (39)
Total special items (105) (82)
of which cost of goods sold (83) (60)
of which selling expenses (1) (1)
of which research and development expenses (1) (1)
of which general administration expenses (36) (36)
of which other operating income/expenses 16 16
After special items 473 704 832 1,050

2.1 Polyurethanes

Polyurethanes Key Data
2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
Change 1st half
2015
1st half
2016
Change
€ million € million % € million € million %
Core volume growth1 +5.8% +9.0% +2.7% +9.7%
Sales 1,637 1,481 –9.5 3,191 2,884 –9.6
Change in sales
Volume +7.7% +6.4% +4.1% +6.7%
Price –9.9% –13.1% –8.6% –14.4%
Currency +9.2% –2.8% +9.6% –1.9%
Portfolio 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Sales by region
EMLA 707 653 –7.6 1,381 1,268 –8.2
NAFTA 524 450 –14.1 1,007 896 –11.0
APAC 406 378 –6.9 803 720 –10.3
EBITDA 195 228 +16.9 348 442 +27.0
Adjusted EBITDA 223 228 +2.2 386 442 +14.5
EBIT 92 124 +34.8 123 241 +95.9
Adjusted EBIT 121 124 +2.5 184 241 +31.0
Operating cash flow 184 135 –26.6 305 151 –50.5
Cash outflows for additions to
property, plant, equipment and
intangible assets
49 46 –6.1 82 70 –14.6
Free operating cash flow 135 89 –34.1 223 81 –63.7

1 Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

Second quarter 2016

In the second quarter of 2016, core volumes in Polyurethanes rose by a substantial 9.0% over the prior-year quarter. The increase stemmed mostly from the MDI and TDI product groups. The Polyether Polyols product group generated slight core volume growth.

Sales of Polyurethanes fell off compared with the prior-year quarter and were down 9.5% to €1,481 million.

The development of total volumes sold had a positive effect of 6.4% on sales. The difference between this figure and the core volume growth of 9.0% was largely attributable to lower volumes outside of the core business.

Selling prices of Polyurethanes came in 13.1% lower than in the prior-year quarter. Against the backdrop of mostly unchanged supply and demand, the decline in selling prices in all three regions was due primarily to lower raw material prices.

The EMLA region's sales decreased 7.6% to €653 million, principally because of significantly lower selling prices despite a robust increase in volumes. Sales in the NAFTA region fell 14.1% to €450 million. The slight increase in sales resulting from higher volumes was not enough to offset the sharp drop in selling prices and the effects of exchange rate fluctuations. The APAC region saw sales decline by 6.9% to €378 million. Here also a sharp drop in selling prices and exchange rate movements had a more pronounced impact than the opposing effect exerted by large increases in volume.

EBITDA was up 2.2% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year quarter, growing from €223 million to €228 million in the second quarter of 2016. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the past quarter (previous year: minus €28 million). Higher volumes contributed to improved earnings. Changes in margins, however, resulted in reduced earnings in some cases.

EBIT rose by 34.8% to €124 million (previous year: €92 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the second quarter (previous year: minus €29 million).

Free operating cash flow declined by 34.1% to €89 million (previous year: €135 million). This was mainly due to a larger amount of cash tied up in working capital and higher outflows for utilizing short-term personnel-related provisions. These factors overshadowed the positive effect of increased EBITDA.

First half of 2016

In the first six months of 2016, core volumes in Polyurethanes rose by a substantial 9.7% over the prior-year period. The increase stemmed from all product groups, particularly MDI and TDI.

Sales of Polyurethanes fell off compared with the prior-year period, down 9.6% to €2,884 million in the first half of 2016.

The development of total volumes sold had a positive effect of 6.7% on sales. The difference between this figure and the core volume growth of 9.7% was due to lower volumes outside of the core business. In view of mostly unchanged supply and demand, the decline in selling prices of 14.4% was mainly due to the drop in raw material prices in all three regions compared with the level in the prior-year period.

EBITDA was up 14.5% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year period, growing from €386 million to €442 million. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the first six months of 2016 (previous year: minus €38 million).

EBIT improved by 95.9% to €241 million (previous year: €123 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the first half of 2016 (previous year: minus €61 million).

Free operating cash flow declined by 63.7% to €81 million (previous year: €223 million). This was mainly due to a larger amount of cash tied up in working capital and higher outflows for utilizing short-term personnel-related provisions. These factors overshadowed the positive effect of increased EBITDA.

2.2 Polycarbonates

Polycarbonates Key Data

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
Change 1st half
2015
1st half
2016
Change
€ million € million % € million € million %
Core volume growth1 +9.1% +8.5% +7.3% +8.5%
Sales 829 831 +0.2 1,594 1,617 +1.4
Change in sales
Volume +9.6% +7.9% +7.5% +8.3%
Price –3.6% –4.3% –2.9% –4.8%
Currency +13.3% –3.4% +13.0% –2.1%
Portfolio 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Sales by region
EMLA 292 300 +2.7 570 585 +2.6
NAFTA 198 193 –2.5 380 385 +1.3
APAC 339 338 –0.3 644 647 +0.5
EBITDA 149 191 +28.2 265 368 +38.9
Adjusted EBITDA 150 191 +27.3 266 368 +38.3
EBIT 104 142 +36.5 177 269 +52.0
Adjusted EBIT 105 142 +35.2 178 269 +51.1
Operating cash flow 68 89 +30.9 99 183 +84.8
Cash outflows for additions to
property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets
59 19 –67.8 102 31 –69.6
Free operating cash flow 9 70 >600 (3) 152

1 Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

Second quarter 2016

In the second quarter of 2016, core volumes in the Polycarbonates segment were up by 8.5% over the prior-year quarter. All three regions contributed to the increase in volume, particularly APAC, where the considerable volume growth resulted from increases in nearly all customer industries.

In the Polycarbonates segment, sales of €831 million were stable as against the prior-year quarter. The increase in total volumes sold had a positive effect of 7.9% on sales. Selling prices were down 4.3% overall. Lower raw material prices led to the drop in prices in the APAC and NAFTA regions. The EMLA region's selling prices remained at the level of the prior-year quarter. Exchange rate developments had a negative impact on sales.

All told, sales in the EMLA region grew 2.7% to €300 million on account of higher sales volumes with selling prices holding steady. The NAFTA region saw sales reduced by 2.5% to €193 million. The slight decrease in selling prices and the effects of exchange rate fluctuations overshadowed the increase in sales due to higher volumes. The APAC region's sales were nearly unchanged at €338 million. This was because a robust increase in sales volumes, a sharp drop in selling prices and adverse exchange rate effects mostly balanced each other out.

EBITDA in the Polycarbonates segment increased 27.3% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year quarter, growing from €150 million in the previous year to €191 million in the second quarter. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the past quarter (previous year: minus €1 million). Larger sales volumes and improved margins had a positive effect on earnings.

EBIT rose by 36.5% to €142 million (previous year: €104 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the previous quarter (previous year: minus €1 million).

Free operating cash flow grew sharply to €70 million (previous year: €9 million). The improvement was largely attributable to an increase in EBITDA and lower cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, as planned. These factors outweighed the higher outflows for utilizing short-term personnelrelated provisions.

First half of 2016

In the first six months of 2016, core volumes in the Polycarbonates segment were up 8.5% over the prior-year period. There were increases in all three regions, particularly APAC and NAFTA.

In the Polycarbonates segment, sales climbed by 1.4% to €1,617 million in the first six months of 2016. The increase in total volumes sold had a positive effect of 8.3% on sales. Selling prices were 4.8% under those of the prior-year period. This decline in prices was mainly attributable to lower raw material prices in the APAC and NAFTA regions. In contrast, selling prices in the EMLA region held steady at the level of the prior-year period. Exchange rate developments had a slightly negative impact on sales.

EBITDA in the Polycarbonates segment increased 38.3% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year period, growing from €266 million in the previous year to €368 million in the first six months. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the first half year (previous year: minus €1 million).

EBIT rose by 52.0% to €269 million (previous year: €177 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the first six months (previous year: minus €1 million).

Free operating cash flow grew sharply to €152 million (previous year: minus €3 million).

2.3 Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
Change 1st half
2015
1st half
2016
Change
€ million € million % € million € million %
Core volume growth1 +6.5% –1.8% +6.4% –2.3%
Sales 562 532 –5.3 1,097 1,044 –4.8
Change in sales
Volume +6.9% –0.6% +5.5% –1.1%
Price –1.0% –2.7% –0.5% –2.5%
Currency +9.5% –2.0% +9.5% –1.2%
Portfolio 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Sales by region
EMLA 285 272 –4.6 554 534 –3.6
NAFTA 130 117 –10.0 253 231 –8.7
APAC 147 143 –2.7 290 279 –3.8
EBITDA 135 142 +5.2 266 281 +5.6
Adjusted EBITDA 137 142 +3.6 270 281 +4.1
EBIT 113 119 +5.3 224 238 +6.3
Adjusted EBIT 115 119 +3.5 228 238 +4.4
Operating cash flow 131 72 –45.0 166 126 –24.1
Cash outflows for additions to
property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets
20 14 –30.0 38 25 –34.2
Free operating cash flow 111 58 –47.7 128 101 –21.1

Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties Key Data

1 Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

Second quarter 2016

In the second quarter of 2016, core volumes in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment declined 1.8% from the prior-year quarter, which had seen an unusually sharp increase of 6.5%. The contractual termination of trading activities contributed to the decline in the quarter under review as anticipated. Adjusted for this effect, core volume growth would have been slightly positive. Core volumes decreased in the NAFTA region, while they remained stable in EMLA and shrank only slightly in APAC.

Sales of Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties were down by 5.3% from the prior-year quarter to €532 million. Selling prices came in 2.7% lower on average than in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to lower prices in EMLA and APAC. In the NAFTA countries, selling prices were stable for the most part. Total volumes sold reduced sales by 0.6%. Moreover, exchange rate movements also had a slightly negative effect on sales.

In the EMLA region, sales decreased by 4.6% overall to €272 million, mainly because of lower selling prices on average. The key factors leading to a 10.0% decline in sales to €117 million in the NAFTA region were reduced volumes and exchange rate fluctuations. In the APAC region, the effect of higher sales volumes was offset by the sales-reducing effects of selling price and exchange rate changes. As a result, sales decreased by 2.7% to €143 million. The termination of the aforementioned trading activities is reflected in the lower sales in these regions.

EBITDA in Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties was up 3.6% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year quarter, growing from €137 million to €142 million in the second quarter. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the past quarter (previous year: minus €2 million). Lower raw material prices had a positive impact on EBITDA.

EBIT rose by 5.3% to €119 million (previous year: €113 million). There were no special items in the past quarter (previous year: minus €2 million).

Free operating cash flow declined by 47.7% to €58 million (previous year: €111 million). This was mainly due to a larger amount of cash tied up in working capital and higher outflows for utilizing short-term personnel-related provisions.

First half of 2016

In the first six months of 2016, core volumes in Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties were down 2.3% from the prioryear period for reasons including lower volumes sold in the NAFTA region. In EMLA and APAC, volumes dropped only slightly below those of the prior-year period. The contractual termination of trading activities contributed to the decline in the first six months as anticipated. Adjusted for this effect, core volume growth would have been slightly positive.

Sales fell 4.8% from the figure in the prior-year period to €1,044 million. Selling prices were 2.5% lower on average than in the same period of the previous year. The development of total volumes sold had a negative effect of 1.1% on sales. Moreover, exchange rate movements also had a slightly negative effect on sales.

EBITDA increased 4.1% over the adjusted EBITDA in the prior-year period, growing from €270 million in the previous year to €281 million. There were no special items which necessitated adjustments in the first half year (previous year: minus €4 million).

EBIT rose by 6.3% to €238 million (previous year: €224 million). No items of income or expense were recognized as special items in the first six months (previous year: minus €4 million).

Free operating cash flow declined by 21.1% to €101 million (previous year: €128 million).

Covestro Group Summary Statement of Cash Flows1

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
€ million € million € million € million
EBITDA 439 542 832 1,050
Income taxes paid (73) (121) (80) (201)
Changes in pension provisions 3 (6) 6 (2)
(Gains) losses on retirements of noncurrent assets 1 (18)
Changes in working capital/other noncash items (10) (99) (196) (407)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 360 316 544 440
Cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible
assets
(130) (79) (224) (126)
Free operating cash flow 230 237 320 314
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (147) (73) (377) (110)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (212) (1,122) (280) (822)
Change in cash and cash equivalents due to business activities 1 (879) (113) (492)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 107 1,030 201 642
Change in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements (2) 18 1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 106 151 106 151

1 Presentation changed to provide more relevant information pursuant to IAS 1.41 et seqq.

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

In the second quarter of 2016, operating cash flow amounted to €316 million, down from €360 million in the previous year. A considerable increase in EBITDA stood in contrast to higher income tax payments of €121 million (previous year: €73 million) and higher outflows for utilizing short-term personnel-related provisions. After cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, free operating cash flow totaled €237 million (previous year: €230 million).

In the first six months of 2016, operating cash flow amounted to €440 million, down from €544 million in the previous year. After cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, free operating cash flow totaled €314 million (previous year: €320 million).

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Net cash outflow for investing activities in the second quarter of 2016 amounted to €73 million (previous year: €147 million). This figure mainly comprises cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets of €79 million (previous year: €130 million).

Net cash outflow for investing activities in the first six months of 2016 totaled €110 million (previous year: €377 million). Cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment and intangible assets of €126 million (previous year: €224 million) decreased as expected.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net cash outflow for the Covestro Group's financing activities in the second quarter of 2016 amounted to €1,122 million (previous year: €212 million). In April and June 2016, the remaining loan liabilities in respect of Bayer Antwerpen NV, Diegem, Belgium, in the amount of €810 million were repaid along with additional liabilities to banks. Moreover, Covestro AG distributed dividends for the first time for a total of €142 million.

Net cash outflow for the Covestro Group's financing activities in the first six months of 2016 amounted to €822 million (previous year: €280 million), with borrowing of €1,740 million partly offsetting repaid debt of €2,392 million.

  1. Asset and Financial Position of the Covestro Group

Net Financial Debt1

Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
€ million € million
Bonds 1,493
Liabilities to banks 482 398
Liabilities under finance leases 298 273
Liabilities from derivatives 31 39
Other financial liabilities 2,070 6
Positive fair values of hedges of recorded transactions (27) (20)
Financial liabilites 2,854 2,189
Cash and cash equivalents (642) (151)
Current financial assets (1) (1)
Net financial debt 2,211 2,037

1 Net financial debt is not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards and is calculated as shown in this table.

The Covestro Group's net financial debt totaled €2,037 million as of June 30, 2016, decreasing by €174 million from December 31, 2015. Cash inflows from the company's first bond placement and from operations were used to distribute dividends and to repay in full the loan liabilities in respect of Bayer Antwerpen NV, Diegem, Belgium.

Covestro Group Summary Statement of Financial Position

Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
€ million € million
Noncurrent assets 6,294 6,135
Current assets 4,237 3,974
Total assets 10,531 10,109
Equity 3,612 3,411
Noncurrent liabilities 2,355 4,428
Current liabilities 4,564 2,270
Liabilities 6,919 6,698
Total equity and liabilities 10,531 10,109

Total assets declined by €422 million compared with December 31, 2015, to €10,109 million as of June 30, 2016.

Noncurrent assets decreased by €159 million to €6,135 million as of June 30, 2016. The change is attributable primarily to the reduction in property, plant, equipment by €320 million to €4,614 million. This stands in contrast to a €191 million increase in deferred taxes to €831 million, which stemmed mainly from the recognition directly in equity of the remeasurement of provisions for pensions. Current assets declined by €263 million to €3,974 million. Cash and cash equivalents decreased, while trade accounts receivable increased.

Equity was €201 million lower, amounting to €3,411 million in the first six months of 2016. Income after income taxes stood in contrast to the remeasurement of provisions for pensions due to a lower interest rate and the dividend distribution, which had the effect of reducing equity.

Liabilities were down €221 million to €6,698 million as of June 30, 2016. Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits increased by €636 million. Noncurrent financial liabilities rose €1,446 million to €1,820 million, largely due to Covestro issuing bonds for the first time. Current financial liabilities decreased by €2,118 million to €389 million. This change is attributable to the repayment in full of the loan from Bayer Antwerpen NV, Diegem, Belgium, totaling €2,060 million.

Net Defined Benefit Liability for Post-Employment Benefits

Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
€ million € million
Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 1,462 2,098
Net defined benefit asset
Net defined benefit liability for post-employment benefits 1,462 2,098

The net defined benefit liability for post-employment benefits increased by €636 million as compared with December 31, 2015, to €2,098 million as of June 30, 2016. This was due to the drop in long-term capital market interest rates for blue-chip corporate bonds.

Economic Outlook

Growth1 2015 Growth1
forecast 2016
(Annual Report
2015)
Growth1
forecast 2016
% % %
World 2.6 2.8 2.5
European Union 1.9 1.9 1.7
of which Germany 1.4 2.0 1.6
United States 2.4 2.7 1.9
Asia 4.7 4.6 4.6
of which China 6.9 6.3 6.5

1 Real growth of gross domestic product, source: IHS (Global Insight);

As of July 2016, growth forecast including "Brexit-effect"

In 2016, the global economy is expected to grow at a pace of 2.5%, slightly slower than in the previous year (Annual Report 2015 forecast: 2.8%). We believe the United States economy will expand much less robustly than expected in the Annual Report 2015. This development stems from weak growth of 0.8% in the first quarter of 2016 and low manufacturing industry performance as well as reduced investments and sustained sluggishness in exports.

The growth rate in the United Kingdom and, to a lesser extent, key trading partners such as the EU and the United States will be much lower due to the result of the EU membership referendum vote in the United Kingdom and its possible exit from the EU. This assumption is based on projected lower consumption and decreased investments in the United Kingdom due to the heightened uncertainty there. The slowing of growth in the United Kingdom has only a minimal effect on Covestro because the United Kingdom's share of the company's total business is insignificant.

As in the previous quarter, we expect somewhat less robust performance in our key customer industries than forecasted in the Annual Report 2015, in view of factors including the possible effects of a United Kingdom withdrawal from the EU as a result of the referendum. This is attributable to slightly weakened expectations concerning the performance of the automotive, furniture, consumer electronics and household appliance sectors as key segments of the electrical/electronics industry. We now anticipate growth to range from around 3% to 4% in the aforementioned sectors and industries. No significant changes from the forecast are expected for the global construction industry, for which we projected a growth rate of approximately 2%.

We have elected to increase the forecasts for the current fiscal year from our Annual Report 2015 based on the business performance described in this report and taking into account the potential risks and opportunities.

We now expect a mid- to high-single-digit increase in core volume growth, largely driven by the ongoing positive development in the Polyurethanes and Polycarbonates segments. As we noted in the Annual Report 2015, growth in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment is held back by the contractual termination of trading operations. Adjusted for these effects, we would expect core volume growth in the mid-single-digit-percentage range for Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties.

Free operating cash flow in 2016 should remain around last year's level. We expect a substantial increase for the Polycarbonates segment and a decrease for the Polyurethanes and Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segments, however. The difference in performance in the various segments is chiefly due to changes in working capital, cash outflows for additions to property, plant and equipment, and income taxes.

We now anticipate ROCE1 to be above last year's level in fiscal 2016.

As of June 30, 2016, the Covestro Group had 15,727 employees worldwide (December 31, 2015: 15,761). The €175 million increase in personnel expenses as against the prior-year period to €951 million in the first six months of 2016 (previous year: €776 million) was due to factors including the sharp increase in headcount compared with June 2015.

Employees by Corporate Function2

Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
Production 9,988 9,928
Marketing and distribution 3,528 3,490
Research and development 1,005 1,021
General administration 1,240 1,288
Total 15,761 15,727

2 The number of employees on either permanent or temporary contracts is stated in full-time equivalents, with part-time employees included on a pro-rated basis in line with their contractual working hours.

1 ROCE: The return on capital employed is calculated as the ratio of adjusted EBIT after taxes to capital employed. The capital employed is the capital used by the company. It is the sum of noncurrent and current assets less noninterest-bearing liabilities such as trade accounts payable.

As a global enterprise with a diversified portfolio, the Covestro Group is exposed to a wide range of opportunities and risks.

The Covestro Group regards opportunity and risk management as an integral part of corporate governance. Our opportunity and risk management system and the opportunity and risk situation are outlined in detail in section 21 of the Covestro Annual Report 2015 and there have been no material changes since December 31, 2015. At the time this half-yearly financial report was prepared, the Group still faced no risks that could endanger its continued existence.

Material developments that have occurred with respect to legal risks since publication of the Covestro Annual Report 2015 (Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) are described in Note 10 to the Consolidated Interim Financial Statements. The Covestro Annual Report 2015 is available at www.covestro.com.

as of June 30, 2016

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
€ million € million € million € million
Sales 3,210 2,990 6,264 5,865
Cost of goods sold (2,418) (2,143) (4,832) (4,220)
Gross profit 792 847 1,432 1,645
Selling expenses (336) (344) (632) (658)
Research and development expenses (64) (62) (125) (125)
General administration expenses (116) (100) (209) (214)
Other operating income 9 35 51 85
Other operating expenses (18) (12) (44) (29)
EBIT1 267 364 473 704
Equity-method income (loss) (6) (5) (10)
Interest income 2 0 3 3
Interest expense (26) (14) (53) (29)
Other financial result (16) (26) (37) (87)
Financial result (46) (45) (87) (123)
Income before income taxes 221 319 386 581
Income taxes (67) (86) (114) (164)
Income after income taxes 154 233 272 417
of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 2 3 5 5
of which attributable to Covestro AG stockholders (net income) 152 230 267 412
Basic earnings per share 1.09 1.13 1.91 2.03
Diluted earnings per share 1.09 1.13 1.91 2.03

1 EBIT = income after income taxes plus financial result and income taxes

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
€ million € million € million € million
Income after income taxes 154 233 272 417
Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability
for post-employment benefit plans
357 (208) 41 (623)
Income taxes (114) 68 (12) 202
Other comprehensive income from remeasurements of the
net defined benefit liability for post-employment benefit plans
243 (140) 29 (421)
Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
243 (140) 29 (421)
Changes in fair values of derivatives designated
as cash flow hedges
(2) (4)
Reclassified to profit or loss 2 3
Income taxes 0
Other comprehensive income from cash flow hedges (1)
Changes in exchange differences recognized on translation
of operations outside the eurozone
(122) 31 176 (54)
Reclassified to profit or loss
Other comprehensive income from exchange differences (122) 31 176 (54)
Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
(122) 31 175 (54)
Effects of changes in scope of consolidation (1) (10)
Total other comprehensive income1 120 (109) 194 (475)
of which attributable to noncontrolling interest (4) 2 (1) 1
of which attributable to Covestro AG stockholders 124 (111) 195 (476)
Total comprehensive income 274 124 466 (58)
of which attributable to noncontrolling interest (2) 5 4 6
of which attributable to Covestro AG stockholders 276 119 462 (64)

1 Total changes recognized outside profit or loss

June 30, 2015 June 30, 2016 Dec. 31, 2015
€ million € million € million
Noncurrent assets
Goodwill 259 259 261
Other intangible assets 138 108 132
Property, plant and equipment 5,061 4,614 4,934
Investments accounted for using the equity method 227 217 227
Other financial assets 57 37 40
Other receivables 70 69 60
Deferred taxes 405 831 640
6,217 6,135 6,294
Current assets
Inventories 1,921 1,685 1,783
Trade accounts receivable 1,794 1,776 1,486
Other financial assets 539 26 33
Other receivables 206 288 277
Claims for income tax refunds 6 48 16
Cash and cash equivalents 106 151 642
4,572 3,974 4,237
Total assets 10,789 10,109 10,531
Equity
Capital stock of Covestro AG 203 203
Capital reserves of Covestro AG 4,908 4,908
Other reserves 1,717 (1,721) (1,515)
Equity attributable to Covestro AG stockholders 1,717 3,390 3,596
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interest 11 21 16
1,728 3,411 3,612
Noncurrent liabilities
Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits 1,409 2,098 1,462
Other provisions 217 312 309
Financial liabilities 521 1,820 374
Other liabilities 29 27 29
Deferred taxes 181 171 181
2,357 4,428 2,355
Current liabilities
Other provisions 350 385 429
Financial liabilities 4,697 389 2,507
Trade accounts payable 1,456 1,262 1,403
Income tax liabilities 29 58 56
Other liabilities 172 176 169
6,704 2,270 4,564
Total equity and liabilities 10,789 10,109 10,531

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
€ million € million € million € million
Income after income taxes 154 233 272 417
Income taxes 67 86 114 164
Financial result 46 45 87 123
Income taxes paid1 (73) (121) (80) (201)
Depreciation, amortization and impairments 172 178 359 346
Change in pension provisions 3 (6) 6 (2)
(Gains) losses on retirements of noncurrent assets 1 0 (18) 0
Decrease (increase) in inventories (3) 46 80 76
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts receivable (52) (110) (163) (302)
(Decrease) increase in trade accounts payable 11 11 (185) (131)
Changes in other working capital, other noncash items1 34 (46) 72 (50)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 360 316 544 440
Cash outflows for additions to property, plant, equipment
and intangible assets
(130) (79) (224) (126)
Cash inflows from sales of property, plant, equipment
and other assets
1 0 21 3
Cash outflows for noncurrent financial assets1 (55) (6) (94) (7)
Cash inflows from noncurrent financial assets1 0 0 27 2
Cash outflows for acquisitions less acquired cash 1 (14)
Interest and dividends received 2 0 2 5
Cash inflows from (outflows for) other current financial assets1 34 12 (95) 13
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (147) (73) (377) (110)
Financial transactions with the Bayer Group (89) (386)
(Cash outflows for) inflows from profit transfer to Bayer AG (155) (155)
Dividends paid 1 (143) (10) (143)
Issuances of debt 372 42 834 1,740
Retirements of debt (309) (1,007) (509) (2,392)
Interest paid (32) (14) (54) (27)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (212) (1,122) (280) (822)
Change in cash and cash equivalents due to business activities 1 (879) (113) (492)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 107 1,030 201 642
Change in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange
rate movements
(2) 0 18 1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 106 151 106 151

1 Presentation changed to provide more relevant information pursuant to IAS 1.41 et seqq.

Accumulated other comprehensive income
Capital stock of
Covestro AG
Capital reserves
of Covestro AG
Retained
earnings incl.
total income
Currency
translation
Cash flow hedges Revaluation
surplus
Equity
attributable to
Covestro AG
stockholders
Equity
attributable to
noncontrolling
interest
Equity
€ million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million
Dec. 31, 2014 1,427 340 2 1 1,770 17 1,787
(Profit) loss transfer to Bayer AG (155) (155) (155)
Dividend payments (7) (7) (6) (13)
Other changes (353) (353) (4) (357)
Income after income taxes 267 267 5 272
Other comprehensive income 19 177 (1) 195 (1) 194
Total comprehensive income 286 177 (1) 462 4 466
June 30, 2015 1,198 517 1 1 1,717 11 1,728
Dec. 31, 2015 203 4,908 (1,999) 484 0 0 3,596 16 3,612
Dividend payments (142) (142) (1) (143)
Other changes 0 0 0 0 0
Income after income taxes 412 412 5 417
Other comprehensive income (421) (55) 0 (476) 1 (475)
Total comprehensive income (9) (55) 0 (64) 6 (58)
June 30, 2016 203 4,908 (2,150) 429 3,390 21 3,411

Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

Information on the consolidated interim financial statements

Pursuant to Section 37w of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), the consolidated interim financial statements of Covestro AG, Leverkusen, (Covestro AG) as of June 30, 2016, have been prepared according to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) – including IAS 34 (Interim Financial Reporting) – of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), London, United Kingdom, endorsed by the European Union and in effect at the closing date, as well as the Interpretations (IFRICs) of the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) and the interpretations published by the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC).

As explained in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015, the predecessor accounting approach was applied in the Combined Financial Statements1 in accordance with the rules on business combinations under common control. We also utilized the option of presenting the comparative information required under IFRSs as if the legal transfers of the business activities had already previously taken place. This method allows the presentation of prior-period financial information as contained in the published Combined Financial Statements. The "Treatment of costs for central services" and the "Treatment of current and deferred income taxes" in the reference period are described in detail in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015. For further information about the main assumptions, reference is additionally made to the published Combined Financial Statements.2

The accounting policies and valuation principles described in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015, were applied unchanged in preparing the consolidated interim financial statements as of June 30, 2016, subject to the effects of financial reporting standards adopted for the first-time in the current fiscal year as described in Note 2.

The consolidated interim financial statements are drawn up in euros. Amounts are stated in millions of euros (€ million) except where otherwise indicated.

1 Combined Financial Statements were prepared for the Combined Covestro Group for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, and for the interim reporting period from January 1 to June 30, 2015, in accordance with the requirements of IAS 34. The combined annual financial statements and the combined interim financial statements are hereinafter referred to as the Combined Financial Statements.

2 The Combined Financial Statements, which were published for the purposes of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Covestro AG in a listing prospectus, are available, along with the listing prospectus itself, on the Covestro AG website.

  1. General Information

Exchange rates

In the reporting period, the following exchange rates were used for the major currencies of relevance to the Covestro Group.

Closing Rates for Major Currencies
Closing rate
€1/ June 30,
2015
Dec. 31,
2015
June 30,
2016
BRL Brazil 3.47 4.31 3.59
CNY China 6.94 7.06 7.40
HKD Hong Kong 8.67 8.44 8.61
INR India 71.19 72.02 74.96
JPY Japan 137.01 131.07 114.05
MXN Mexico 17.53 18.91 20.63
USD United States 1.12 1.09 1.11

Average Rates for Major Currencies

Average rate
€1/ 1st half
2015
1st half
2016
BRL Brazil 3.30 4.13
CNY China 6.94 7.30
HKD Hong Kong 8.65 8.66
INR India 70.11 74.93
JPY Japan 134.14 124.50
MXN Mexico 16.88 20.12
USD United States 1.12 1.12

The amendments to IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements) entitled "Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations" clarify in particular that IFRS 3 must be applied when accounting for the acquisition of an interest in a joint operation in which the activity constitutes a business, insofar as this does not contradict the provisions of IFRS 11. They are being applied prospectively and have no material impact on the presentation of the Covestro Group's financial position or results of operations.

The amendments to IAS 16 (Property, Plant and Equipment) and IAS 38 (Intangible Assets) entitled "Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation" clarify that revenue-based depreciation of property, plant and equipment or amortization of intangible assets is inappropriate. They have no impact on the presentation of the Covestro Group's financial position or results of operations.

In accordance with the amendments to IAS 16 (Property, Plant and Equipment) and IAS 41 (Agriculture) entitled "Agriculture: Bearer Plants" published in June 2014, fruit-bearing plants used solely to grow agricultural produce are to be accounted for according to IAS 16. These amendments have no impact on the presentation of the Covestro Group's financial position or results of operations.

In August 2014, the IASB published "Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements (Amendments to IAS 27)." The amendments permit the equity method to be used to account for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in an entity's separate financial statements. These amendments have no impact on the presentation of the Covestro Group's financial position or results of operations.

The "Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 – 2014 Cycle" were published in September 2014. These address details of the recognition, measurement and disclosure of business transactions and serve to standardize terminology. They consist mainly of editorial changes to and clarifications of existing standards. As a result, amendments were made to IFRS 5 (Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations), IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures), IAS 19 (Employee Benefits) and IAS 34 (Interim Financial Reporting). Their application has no material impact on the presentation of the Covestro Group's financial position or results of operations.

The "Disclosure Initiative" published in December 2014 contains amendments to IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements). These are intended to provide further clarification of the presentation and disclosure requirements formulated in IAS 1 and relate in particular to the materiality and aggregation of items, the presentation of the statements of financial position, of profit or loss and of other comprehensive income, the structure of information in the notes to the financial statements and the information on applicable financial reporting methods. The amendments have no material impact on the presentation of the consolidated financial statements.

The IASB published "IFRS 14 (Regulatory Deferral Accounts)" in January 2014 and amendments to IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements), IFRS 12 (Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities) and IAS 28 (Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) entitled "Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception" in December 2014, which were to have been applied for the first time from January 1, 2016. As neither have yet been endorsed by the European Union, they have not been applied to date. The changes are not expected to have an impact on the presentation of the Covestro Group's financial position or results of operations.

The Board of Management of Covestro AG, as the chief operating decision maker of the Covestro Group, allocates resources to the operating segments and assesses their performance. The reportable segments and regions are identified, and the disclosures selected, in line with the internal financial reporting system (management approach). These disclosures are based on the Covestro Group's accounting policies, which are outlined in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015, subject to the effects of the first-time adoption of financial reporting standards in the current fiscal year as described in Note 2 above.

As of June 30, 2016, the Covestro Group comprises three reportable segments with the following activities.

Polyurethanes

The Polyurethanes segment develops, produces and markets high-quality precursors for polyurethanes. These precursors are isocyanates (TDI, MDI) and polyether polyols. Flexible polyurethane foam is used primarily in the furniture and automotive industries (e.g., cushions, mattresses, automobile seats); rigid foam is used in particular as insulating material in the construction industry and in refrigeration chains. The segment operates production facilities worldwide as well as systems houses for formulating and supplying customized polyurethane systems.

Polycarbonates

The Polycarbonates segment develops, produces and markets the engineering plastic polycarbonate in the form of granules and semifinished products (sheets). The material is used primarily in the automotive industry (e.g., in the passenger compartment and for vehicle lighting) and in the construction industry (e.g., for roof structures). It is also used in the electrical and electronics industry (e.g., for connector housings, computer cases and DVDs), the medical technology sector and the lighting industry (e.g., for LED components). The Covestro Group produces polycarbonate all around the world and processes it at compounding centers to meet specific customer requirements.

Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties

The Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment develops, produces and markets raw materials for coatings, adhesives and sealants as well as specialties – primarily for polyurethane systems. They include polymer materials and aqueous dispersions based on the isocyanates HDI and IPDI, which are produced at facilities located throughout the world. The main areas of application are automotive and transportation, infrastructure and construction, wood processing and furniture. The specialties comprise elastomers, high-quality films and raw materials for the cosmetics, textiles and health care sectors.

Business activities that cannot be allocated to any of the aforementioned segments are reported under "All other segments." The external sales from these activities are mainly based on by-products of chlorine production and use.

The costs of Corporate Center functions and higher or lower expenses for long-term stock-based compensation arising from fluctuations in the performance of Covestro AG stock are presented in our segment reporting as "Corporate Center and reconciliation."

The segment data are calculated as follows.

  • EBITDA is the EBIT as reported in the income statement plus amortization and impairment losses on intangible assets and depreciation and impairment losses on property, plant and equipment, less impairment loss reversals.
  • EBIT, EBITDA, adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA are not defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards. The special items comprise effects that are nonrecurring or do not regularly recur or attain similar magnitudes. Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA are intended to give a clear picture of the results of operations and ensure their comparability over time. Adjusted EBITDA is used to assess the profitability of the reportable segments. There were no special items in the first half year of fiscal 2016 so adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA in this period are equivalent to EBIT and EBITDA, respectively.
  • Working capital comprises inventories plus trade accounts receivable and less trade accounts payable.

The following tables show the segment reporting data for the second quarter and for the first half year or as of June 30, respectively.

Segment Reporting 2nd Quarter1

Other /Consolidation
Polyure
thanes
Polycar
bonates
Coatings,
Adhesives,
Specialties
All
other
segments
Corporate
Center and
reconciliation
Covestro
Group
€ million € million € million € million € million € million
2nd quarter 2016
Sales 1,481 831 532 146 2,990
(Adjusted) EBITDA 228 191 142 (1) (18) 542
(Adjusted) EBIT 124 142 119 (3) (18) 364
2nd quarter 2015
Sales 1,637 829 562 182 3,210
Adjusted EBITDA 223 150 137 (1) (11) 498
Adjusted EBIT 121 105 115 (3) (11) 327

1 No further presentation of intersegment transfers is provided. These are neither reported separately to, nor do they influence the EBIT and EBITDA reported to the Board of Management of Covestro AG.

Segment Reporting 1st Half 1

Other /Consolidation
Polyure
thanes
Polycar
bonates
Coatings,
Adhesives,
Specialties
All
other
segments
Corporate
Center and
reconciliation
Covestro
Group
€ million € million € million € million € million € million
1st half 2016
Sales 2,884 1,617 1,044 320 5,865
(Adjusted) EBITDA 442 368 281 (2) (39) 1,050
(Adjusted) EBIT 241 269 238 (5) (39) 704
1st half 2015
Sales 3,191 1,594 1,097 382 6,264
Adjusted EBITDA 386 266 270 20 (28) 914
Adjusted EBIT 184 178 228 16 (28) 578

1 No further presentation of intersegment transfers is provided. These are neither reported separately to, nor do they influence the EBIT and EBITDA reported to the Board of Management of Covestro AG.

Working Capital by Segment

Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
€ million € million
Polyurethanes 918 1,120
Polycarbonates 494 574
Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties 373 443
All other segments 86 65
Corporate Center (5) (3)
Working capital 1,866 2,199

3. Segment and Regional Reporting

Information on geographical areas

The following tables show information for geographical areas. The EMLA region consists of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America except Mexico, which together with the United States and Canada forms the NAFTA region. The APAC region includes Asia and the Pacific region. The "Consolidation" column shows the elimination of interregional sales.

The following tables show the regional reporting data for the second quarter and for the first half year.

Regional Reporting 2nd Quarter

EMLA NAFTA APAC Consoli
dation
Total
€ million € million € million € million € million
2nd quarter 2016
Net sales (external) by market 1,340 787 863 2,990
Net sales (external) by point of origin 1,339 801 850 2,990
Interregional sales 173 126 36 (335)
2nd quarter 2015
Net sales (external) by market 1,420 888 902 3,210
Net sales (external) by point of origin 1,414 904 892 3,210
Interregional sales 190 132 36 (358)

Regional Reporting 1st Half

EMLA NAFTA APAC Consoli
dation
Total
€ million € million € million € million € million
1st half 2016
Net sales (external) by market 2,641 1,569 1,655 5,865
Net sales (external) by point of origin 2,632 1,595 1,638 5,865
Interregional sales 351 269 61 (681)
1st half 2015
Net sales (external) by market 2,788 1,719 1,757 6,264
Net sales (external) by point of origin 2,777 1,748 1,739 6,264
Interregional sales 393 299 68 (760)
3. Segment and Regional Reporting

Reconciliation

The following table shows the reconciliation of (adjusted) EBITDA of the segments to income before income taxes of the Group.

|--|

2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
€ million € million € million € million
(Adjusted) EBITDA of segments 509 560 942 1,089
(Adjusted) EBITDA of Corporate Center (11) (18) (28) (39)
(Adjusted) EBITDA 498 542 914 1,050
(Adjusted) depreciation, amortization and impairment
losses of segments
(171) (178) (336) (346)
(Adjusted) depreciation, amortization and impairment
losses of Corporate Center
(Adjusted) depreciation, amortization and impairment losses (171) (178) (336) (346)
(Adjusted) EBIT of segments 338 382 606 743
(Adjusted) EBIT of Corporate Center (11) (18) (28) (39)
(Adjusted) EBIT 327 364 578 704
Special items of segments (34) (68)
Special items of Corporate Center (26) (37)
Special items (60) (105)
EBIT of segments 304 382 538 743
EBIT of Corporate Center (37) (18) (65) (39)
EBIT 267 364 473 704
Financial result (46) (45) (87) (123)
Income before income taxes 221 319 386 581

4.1 Changes in the Scope of Consolidation

As of June 30, 2016, the scope of consolidation comprised Covestro AG and 49 consolidated companies (December 31, 2015: 48 companies). As in the statements as of December 31, 2015, one joint operation is accounted for in line with Covestro's interest in its assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in accordance with IFRS 11 (Joint Arrangements). The numbers of joint ventures (one) and associated companies (two) accounted for in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method according to IAS 28 (Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures) were unchanged as of June 30, 2016.

4.2 Acquisitions and Divestitures

No reportable acquisitions or divestitures were made in the first half year of 2016.

Earnings per share are calculated according to IAS 33 (Earnings per Share) as the relationship of income after income taxes (net income) for the reporting period that is attributable to the stockholders of Covestro AG to the weighted average number of no-par voting shares of Covestro AG in issue. There were no dilution effects to consider. For information purposes, earnings per share are also reported for the first half year of 2015 on a basis of 140,000,000 shares.

Earnings per Share

1st half 2015 1st half 2016
€ million € million
Income after income taxes 272 417
of which attributable to noncontrolling interest 5 5
of which attributable to Covestro AG stockholders (net income) 267 412
Shares Shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 140,000,000 202,500,000
Basic earnings per share 1.91 2.03
Diluted earnings per share 1.91 2.03

The following parameters were used to calculate the present value of the benefit obligations.

Discount Rate for Pension Obligations
Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
% %
Germany 2.60 1.60
United States 4.00 3.30

Effective January 1, 2016, Covestro established a new long-term compensation program named Prisma for the 2016 – 2019 performance period. Prisma is a stock-based compensation program with a cash settlement as defined by IFRS 2 (Share-based Payment). Those entitled to participate are senior executives and other managerial employees.

A percentage of the employee's annual base salary – based on his/her position – is defined as a target for variable payments (Prisma target opportunity). Depending on the absolute performance of Covestro stock, including the dividends paid out (total shareholder return), and the stock's performance relative to the STOXX Europe 600 Chemicals benchmark index, both during a four-year performance period, participants will be granted an award of up to 200% of their individual Prisma target opportunity at the end of the program. For the performance period ending on December 31, 2019, payment of the award will be made in January 2020 on the basis of the performance of Covestro stock, based on the initial price at the start of the performance period through to the final price determined as the average price for the last 30 days of stock exchange trading in 2019.

The fair value of the obligation under the Prisma stock-based compensation program was €5 million as of June 30, 2016, and was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation method on the basis of parameters pertaining to the reporting date.

In the first quarter of 2016, Covestro AG established a Debt Issuance Program with a volume of €5,000 million as a framework to facilitate obtaining flexible financing from the capital market. The company is thus in the position to issue fixed- and variable-rate bonds as well as to undertake private placements.

Under the program, Covestro AG successfully placed its first bonds with a total volume of €1,500 million on March 3, 2016. The bonds comprise two fixed-rate tranches with terms of five-and-a-half years (a coupon of 1.00% and a volume of €500 million) and eight-and-a-half years (a coupon of 1.75% and a volume of €500 million) and a variable-rate tranche with a volume of €500 million, a term of two years and a coupon of 0.60 percentage points above the three-month Euribor.

The liquidity acquired in this way was used particularly to refinance the loans from Bayer Antwerpen NV, Diegem, Belgium. The remaining loan amount of €2,060 million was repaid in full during the first half of 2016.

In September 2015, Covestro AG concluded a syndicated multicurrency term and revolving credit facilities agreement (facilities agreement) for €2,700 million with a consortium of banks. In the course of the successful bond placement in March 2016, Covestro AG dissolved the term loan facility of €1,200 million that was part of this facilities agreement, as planned. The multicurrency revolving credit facility of €1,500 million with a term until September 2020 remains in place. No loans had been drawn against this syndicated credit facility as of June 30, 2016.

The following tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities by category of financial instrument. The line items "Other receivables," "Trade accounts payable" and "Other liabilities" contain both financial instruments and nonfinancial assets or liabilities (such as other tax receivables or liabilities and advance payments for services to be received in the future).

Carrying Amounts of Financial Instruments According to IAS 39 and Their Fair Values

June 30, 2016
Valuation according to IAS 39
Carrying
amount
Carried at
amortized
cost
Fair value
recognized
outside profit
or loss
Fair value
recognized in
profit or loss
Fair value
€ million € million € million € million € million
Assets
Trade accounts receivable 1,776
Loans and receivables 1,776 1,776 1,776
Other financial assets 63
Loans and receivables 16 16 16
Available-for-sale financial assets 6 5 1 6
Derivatives that do not qualify for
hedge accounting
33 33 33
Receivables under finance lease
agreements1
8 17
Other receivables 357
Loans and receivables 61 61 61
Nonfinancial assets 296
Cash and cash equivalents 151
Loans and receivables 151 151 151
Liabilities
Financial liabilities 2,209
Carried at amortized cost 1,897 1,897 1,970
Derivatives that do not qualify for
hedge accounting
39 39 39
Liabilities under finance lease
agreements1
273 337
Trade accounts payable 1,262
Carried at amortized cost 1,239 1,239 1,239
Nonfinancial liabilities 23
Other liabilities 203
Carried at amortized cost 29 29 29
Carried at fair value (nonderivative) 5 5 5
Derivatives that do not qualify for
hedge accounting
7 7 7
Nonfinancial liabilities 162

1 Valuation in accordance with IAS 17

  1. Financial Instruments

Carrying Amounts of Financial Instruments According to IAS 39 and Their Fair Values

Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation according to IAS 39
Carrying
amount
Carried at
amortized
cost
Fair value
recognized
outside profit
or loss
Fair value
recognized in
profit or loss
Fair value
€ million € million € million € million € million
Assets
Trade accounts receivable 1,486
Loans and receivables 1,486 1,486 1,486
Other financial assets 73
Loans and receivables 16 16 17
Available-for-sale financial assets 6 5 1 6
Derivatives that do not qualify
for hedge accounting
44 44 44
Receivables under finance lease
agreements1
7 18
Other receivables 337
Loans and receivables 65 65 65
Nonfinancial assets 272
Cash and cash equivalents 642
Loans and receivables 642 642 642
Liabilities
Financial liabilities 2,881
Carried at amortized cost 2,552 2,552 2,573
Derivatives that do not qualify
for hedge accounting
31 31 31
Liabilities under finance lease
agreements1
298 364
Trade accounts payable 1,403
Carried at amortized cost 1,386 1,386 1,386
Nonfinancial liabilities 17
Other liabilities 198
Carried at amortized cost 45 45 45
Carried at fair value (nonderivative) 4 4 4
Derivatives that do not qualify for
hedge accounting
8 8 8
Nonfinancial liabilities 141

1 Valuation in accordance with IAS 17

The fair values of financial instruments are determined and reported in accordance with IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement) on the basis of the fair value hierarchy described below.

Level 1 covers fair values determined on the basis of unadjusted prices which exist in active markets.

Level 2 comprises fair values determined on the basis of parameters which are observable in an active market.

Level 3 applies to fair values determined using parameters whose input factors are not based on observable market data.

The following table shows the assignment of the financial instruments to the three-level fair value hierarchy.

Fair value Fair value
Dec. 31,
2015
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 June 30,
2016
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
€ million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million
Financial assets carried
at fair value
Available-for-sale
financial assets
1 1 - - 1 1
Derivatives that do not
qualify for hedge accounting
44 - 27 17 33 - 20 13
Financial assets not
carried at fair value
Receivables under leasing
agreements
18 - 18 17 17
Financial liabilities
carried at fair value
- - - - - -
Derivatives that do not
qualify for hedge
accounting
39 - 31 8 46 - 39 7
Other liabilities carried at
fair value (nonderivative)
4 - 4 5 - 5
Financial liabilities not
carried at fair value
- - - - - -
Bonds 1,555 1,555 - -
Other financial liabilities 2,937 - 2,937 752 - 752 -

Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments

During the first half of 2016, no transfers were made between the levels of the fair value hierarchy.

Because of the generally short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and payable, and other receivables and liabilities, their carrying amounts do not significantly differ from the fair values.

The fair value of the bonds is based on quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets and therefore assigned to Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

Interests in nonconsolidated companies are categorized as available-for-sale financial assets. These equity instruments are recognized at cost because their fair value cannot be determined from a stock exchange or other market price or by discounting reliably determinable cash flows. The fair values of other remaining assets categorized as available-for-sale financial assets correspond to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1).

The fair values stated for noncurrent financial assets and liabilities are the present values of the respective future cash inflows or outflows. These are determined by discounting the cash flows at a closing-date interest rate that takes into account the term of the assets or liabilities and the creditworthiness of the counterparty. For this reason, these values are assigned to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of derivatives for which no publicly quoted market prices existed are determined using valuation techniques based on observable market data as of the end of the reporting period (Level 2). In applying valuation techniques, credit value adjustments are determined to allow for the contracting party's credit risk. The currency forward contracts are measured individually at their forward rates or forward prices on the closing date. These depend on spot rates or prices including time spreads.

Fair values measured using unobservable inputs are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of noncurrent leasing receivables, reported for information purposes, are calculated on the basis of interest curves observable in the market. Additionally, a discount for cash flows that are very far in the future is applied as an unobservable factor.

The financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value based on individual unobservable inputs (Level 3) comprise embedded derivatives and a contingent purchase price obligation recognized in connection with the acquisition of Thermoplast Composite GmbH, Markt Bibart. The variable portion of the purchase price is due once key personnel have fulfilled certain documentation requirements pertaining to the agreed transfer of knowledge.

The embedded derivatives are separated from their respective host contracts, which are generally sales or purchase agreements relating to the operational business. The embedded derivatives cause the cash flows from the contracts to vary with fluctuations in exchange rates, commodity prices or other prices, for example. The internal measurement of embedded derivatives is mainly performed using the discounted cash flow method, which is based on unobservable inputs. These include planned sales and purchase volumes, and prices or price indices derived from market data.

The table below shows the reconciliation of Level 3 financial instruments for the first half year of 2016.

Changes in the Net Amount of Financial Assets and Liabilities Recognized at Fair Value Based on Unobservable Inputs

2016
€ million
Net carrying amounts, Jan. 1, 5
Gains (losses) recognized in profit or loss (4)
of which related to assets /liabilities recognized in the statement of financial position (4)
Gains (losses) recognized outside profit or loss
Additions of assets (liabilities)
Settlements of (assets) liabilities
Reclassifications
Net carrying amounts, June 30, 1

Gains and losses from Level 3 financial instruments recognized in profit or loss result primarily from embedded derivatives and are reported in other operating expenses or income.

As an international enterprise, the Covestro Group is exposed to numerous legal risks, particularly in the areas of product liability, competition and antitrust law, patent disputes, tax law, environmental law and compliance issues such as corruption and export control. The outcome of any current or future proceedings cannot be predicted. It is therefore possible that legal judgments or regulatory decisions or future settlements could give rise to expenses that are not covered, or not fully covered, by insurers' compensation payments and could significantly affect the earnings of the Covestro Group.

The legal risks that are material to the Covestro Group were described in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015. In the current fiscal year, there have been changes and / or new developments in respect of the legal proceedings described below.

Carbon monoxide pipeline from Dormagen to Leverkusen

In 2014, an action was brought against the Cologne Regional Administration before the Administrative Court in Cologne in which the individual plaintiff demanded that approval for operation of the carbon monoxide pipeline between Dormagen and Leverkusen be revoked. The plaintiff feared acute danger to nearby residents on account of alleged safety deficiencies. The Covestro Group pointed out that the safety of the pipeline had been demonstrated by an expert opinion of the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV). The action has meanwhile been dismissed as inadmissible and no appeal was lodged within the statutory deadline.

Reimbursement of the costs of CO2 (carbon dioxide) certificates obtained by

LyondellBasell Covestro Manufacturing Maasvlakte V.O.F, Rotterdam, Netherlands

In 2013, following unsuccessful negotiations, the company Utility Centre Maasvlakte Leftbank, Rotterdam, Netherlands, (UCML), a Uniper Group company, asserted a claim for reimbursement against the joint venture LyondellBasell Covestro Manufacturing Maasvlakte V.O.F, Rotterdam, Netherlands (LCMM). UCML was claiming the cost of CO2 certificates that UCML had to purchase under the EU emissions trading system in order to perform its supply agreement with LCMM. The Covestro Group, as a partner in the joint venture, bears 50% of any liability for potential reimbursement claims against LCMM. In the second quarter of 2016, LCMM and UCML reached an agreement stipulating extension of the supply arrangement and a waiver of all reimbursement claims by UCML. The legal dispute has thus been fully resolved.

Related companies and persons as defined in IAS 24 (Related Party Disclosures) are those legal entities and natural persons that are able to exert influence on Covestro AG and its subsidiaries or over which Covestro AG or its subsidiaries exercise control or have a significant influence. They include, in particular, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, (Bayer AG) which, as defined in IAS 24, is classified as the ultimate controlling company on account of its majority interest in Covestro AG, and the Bayer AG subsidiaries which are not part of the Covestro scope of consolidation, as well as nonconsolidated subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies, post-employment benefit plans and the corporate officers of Covestro AG.

Receivables from and Liabilities to Related Parties

Dec. 31, 2015 June 30, 2016
Receivables Liabilities Receivables Liabilities
€ million € million € million € million
Bayer AG 2 14 0 2
Bayer Group companies 51 2,243 50 131
Nonconsolidated subsidiaries and associates 1 4 1 4
Joint ventures 1 0 1 0
Associates 4 0 2 0

Sales and Purchases of Goods and Services to /from Related Parties

1st half 2015 1st half 2016
Sales of goods
and services
Purchases of
goods and
services
Sales of goods
and services
Purchases of
goods and
services
€ million € million € million € million
Bayer AG 7 26 0 0
Bayer Group companies 42 445 39 257
Nonconsolidated subsidiaries and associates 20 17 2
Joint ventures 5 2 0
Associates 7 339 5 246

Transactions with Bayer AG and its subsidiaries

The sale of products and goods and other typical business activities result in revenues from subsidiaries of Bayer AG.

The goods and services received mainly comprise operational goods and service transactions with Currenta GmbH & Co. OHG, Leverkusen, (Currenta) and its subsidiaries. These transactions relate to the Chempark sites operated by Currenta, which are used jointly by Bayer and Covestro. The decline in goods and services received compared with the prior-year period resulted from the fact that certain services procured from Bayer Group service companies before the legal and economic independence of Covestro have now been transferred to Covestro Group companies within the context of independence.

Receivables from and payables to related parties mainly comprise leasing and financing matters, trade in goods and services and other transactions. The reduction in liabilities to Bayer Group companies to €131 million (December 31, 2015: €2,243 million) was primarily the result of the repayment of loans described in Note 8.

Notes to the Consolidated Interim Financial Statements 12. Events After the End of the Reporting Period

Since July 1, 2016, no events have occurred that we expect to materially affect the net assets, financial position or results of operations of the Covestro Group.

Leverkusen, July 20, 2016 Covestro AG

The Board of Management

To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles for interim reporting, the consolidated interim financial statements give a true and fair view of the net assets, financial position and results of operations of the Covestro Group, and the interim Group management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Covestro Group, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the Covestro Group for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Leverkusen, July 20, 2016 Covestro AG

The Board of Management

To Covestro AG, Leverkusen

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated interim financial statements – comprising the income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of financial position, income statement, statement of cash flows, statement of changes in equity and selected explanatory notes – and the interim Group management report of Covestro AG, Leverkusen, for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2016, which are components of the halfyearly financial report pursuant to Section 37w of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG). The company's Board of Management is responsible for the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with the IFRSs applicable to interim reporting as adopted by the EU and the interim Group management report in accordance with the requirements of the German Securities Trading Act applicable to interim group management reports. Our responsibility is to issue a review report on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the interim Group management report based on our review.

We have conducted the review of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the interim Group management report in accordance with the German generally accepted standards for the review of financial statements promulgated by the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany (IDW) and additionally observed the International Standard on Review Engagements "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" (ISRE 2410). Those standards require that we plan and perform the review so that we can preclude through critical evaluation, with moderate assurance, that the condensed consolidated interim financial statements have not been prepared, in all material aspects, in accordance with the IFRSs applicable to interim financial reporting as adopted by the EU, and that the interim Group management report has not been prepared, in all material aspects, in accordance with the requirements of the German Securities Trading Act applicable to interim group management reports. A review is limited primarily to inquiries of company personnel and analytical procedures and therefore does not provide the assurance attainable in a financial statement audit. Since, in accordance with our engagement, we have not performed a financial statement audit, we cannot express an audit opinion.

Based on our review, no matters have come to our attention that cause us to presume that the condensed consolidated interim financial statements have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the IFRSs applicable to interim reporting as adopted by the EU, nor that the interim Group management report has not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the provisions of the German Securities Trading Act applicable to interim group management reports.

Essen, July 21, 2016

PricewaterhouseCoopers Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Petra Justenhoven Dietmar Prümm

Wirtschaftsprüferin Wirtschaftsprüfer

Further Information

Segment Information 2nd Quarter

Polyurethanes Polycarbonates
Adhesives, Specialties
Coatings, Others /Consolidation Covestro Group
2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
2nd
quarter
2015
2nd
quarter
2016
€ million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million
Sales 1,637 1,481 829 831 562 532 182 146 3,210 2,990
Change in sales
Volume +7.7% +6.4% +9.6% +7.9% +6.9% –0.6% –1.7% –10.8% +7.4% +4.5%
Price –9.9% –13.1% –3.6% –4.3% –1.0% –2.7% –2.0% –8.3% –6.4% –8.7%
Currency +9.2% –2.8% +13.3% –3.4% +9.5% –2.0% +4.3% –0.7% +10.0% –2.7%
Portfolio 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Core volume growth1 +5.8% +9.0% +9.1% +8.5% +6.5% –1.8% +6.7% +7.7%
Sales by region
EMLA 707 653 292 300 285 272 136 115 1,420 1,340
NAFTA 524 450 198 193 130 117 36 27 888 787
APAC 406 378 339 338 147 143 10 4 902 863
EBITDA 195 228 149 191 135 142 (40) (19) 439 542
Adjusted EBITDA 223 228 150 191 137 142 (12) (19) 498 542
EBIT 92 124 104 142 113 119 (42) (21) 267 364
Adjusted EBIT 121 124 105 142 115 119 (14) (21) 327 364
Depreciation,
amortization,
impairment losses
and impairment loss
reversals
103 104 45 49 22 23 2 2 172 178
Operating cash flow 184 135 68 89 131 72 (23) 20 360 316
Cash outflows for
additions to property,
plant, equipment and
other intangible assets
49 46 59 19 20 14 2 0 130 79
Free operating
cash flow
135 89 9 70 111 58 (25) 20 230 237

1 Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

Segment and Quarterly Overview

Segment Information 1st Half

Polyurethanes Polycarbonates Adhesives, Specialties Coatings, Others /Consolidation Covestro Group
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
1st half
2015
1st half
2016
€ million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million € million
Sales 3,191 2,884 1,594 1,617 1,097 1,044 382 320 6,264 5,865
Change in sales
Volume +4.1% +6.7% +7.5% +8.3% +5.5% –1.1% –0.8% –6.5% +4.8% +4.9%
Price –8.6% –14.4% –2.9% –4.8% –0.5% –2.5% –0.3% –9.4% –5.4% –9.6%
Currency +9.6% –1.9% +13.0% –2.1% +9.5% –1.2% +4.6% –0.3% +10.1% –1.7%
Portfolio 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Core volume growth1 +2.7% +9.7% +7.3% +8.5% +6.4% –2.3% +4.2% +8.1%
Sales by region
EMLA 1,381 1,268 570 585 554 534 283 254 2,788 2,641
NAFTA 1,007 896 380 385 253 231 79 57 1,719 1,569
APAC 803 720 644 647 290 279 20 9 1,757 1,655
EBITDA 348 442 265 368 266 281 (47) (41) 832 1,050
Adjusted EBITDA 386 442 266 368 270 281 (8) (41) 914 1,050
EBIT 123 241 177 269 224 238 (51) (44) 473 704
Adjusted EBIT 184 241 178 269 228 238 (12) (44) 578 704
Depreciation,
amortization,
impairment losses
and impairment
loss reversals
225 201 88 99 42 43 4 3 359 346
Operating cash flow 305 151 99 183 166 126 (26) (20) 544 440
Cash outflows for
additions to property,
plant, equipment and
other intangible assets
82 70 102 31 38 25 2 0 224 126
Free operating
cash flow
223 81 (3) 152 128 101 (28) (20) 320 314

1 Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

Quarterly Overview

1st quarter
2015
2nd quarter
2015
3rd quarter
2015
4th quarter
2015
1st quarter
2016
2nd quarter
2016
€ million € million € million € million € million € million
Sales 3,054 3,210 3,020 2,798 2,875 2,990
Polyurethanes 1,554 1,637 1,512 1,385 1,403 1,481
Polycarbonates 765 829 819 759 786 831
Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties 535 562 519 477 512 532
Core volume growth1 +1.7% +6.7% –0.6% +3.0% +8.5% +7.7%
Adjusted EBITDA 416 498 471 256 508 542
Polyurethanes 163 223 175 63 214 228
Polycarbonates 116 150 171 123 177 191
Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties 133 137 137 84 139 142
EBIT 206 267 287 (80) 340 364
Polyurethanes 31 92 60 (157) 117 124
Polycarbonates 73 104 127 70 127 142
Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties 111 113 113 60 119 119
Financial result (41) (46) (56) (32) (78) (45)
Income before income taxes 165 221 231 (112) 262 319
Income after taxes 118 154 161 (81) 184 233
Net income 115 152 160 (84) 182 230
Operating cash flow 184 360 379 550 124 316
Cash outflows for additions to property,
plant and equipment and intangible assets
94 130 128 157 47 79
Free operating cash flow 90 230 251 393 77 237

1Reference values calculated based on the definition of the core business effective March 31, 2016

Financial Calendar

Q3 2016 Interim Report October 25, 2016
Annual Report 2016 February 20, 2017
Q1 2017 Interim Report April 25, 2017
Annual Stockholders' Meeting 2017 May 3, 2017

Publishing Information

Published by

Covestro AG Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60 51373 Leverkusen Germany Email: [email protected]

www.covestro.com

Local Court of Cologne HRB 85281 VAT No. DE815579850

IR contact Email: [email protected]

Press contact Email: [email protected] Translation

Leinhäuser Language Services GmbH Unterhaching, Germany

Design and layout Territory Medienfabrik Gütersloh GmbH Leverkusen, Germany

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