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Solvay SA

Earnings Release Oct 27, 2011

4005_10-q_2011-10-27_7d20663e-29c6-443f-ba30-f823b72436e7.pdf

Earnings Release

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Opening New Frontiers

REGULATED INFORMATION

SOLVAY GROUP 3RD QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW1

Improved operating result in the 3rd quarter

REBITDA (EUR 264 million) improved by 13% compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010

  • • Favorable pricing power: higher sales prices overall compensated for the increase in energy costs
  • • Operating margin REBITDA on sales rose to 16%
  • • Overall level of activity sustained despite a gradual slowdown in demand for Vinyls and Special Chemicals
  • • Net result of EUR 73 million
  • • Closing of Rhodia acquisition in September1 , of which result will be consolidated as from October 2011
  • • Structured implementation program for the integration of Rhodia and the synergies led by the Integration Committee
  • • Interim dividend of 0.90 EUR net per share (1.20 EUR gross per share)
    1. It was decided to integrate the financial data from the former Rhodia Group in the consolidated accounts of the Solvay Group using the following schedule: (a) Balance sheet: at the end of September 2011 (more information is provided in this regard on pages 22 to 23 of this press release) (b) Results and cash flows: starting October 1, 2011.

Outlook

The Solvay Group is attentive to the macro-economic deterioration and to the need for tight management of its operations. Despite the current softening in some of its markets, Solvay expects as foreseen to improve its operating result both in Chemicals and in Plastics in 2011. The previously announced outlook for Rhodia is confirmed (before the accounting impact of purchase price allocation).

Quote of the CEO

Solvay and Rhodia1 realised good results in the 3rd quarter. Thanks to its balanced activity portfolio, its industrial excellence, its permanent focus on competitiveness and its continued conservative financial policy, the new Group is well positioned to leverage the opportunities that will arise.

  1. Rhodia's 3rd quarter results not consolidated in Solvay's consolidated financial statements.

Given the success of Solvay's recommended tender offer for Rhodia, the squeeze-out procedure was implemented in September. This acquisition creates a major player in chemicals with global ambitions and committed to sustainable development. The New Solvay will capitalize on its geographic diversification, the quality and balance of its portfolio of activities, its industrial excellence and the solidity of its financial base to fully capture new growth opportunities, especially in high-growth markets.

Total success of Solvay's recommended tender offer for Rhodia

SOLVAY GROUP 3RD QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW (CONTINUED)

3rd quarter 9 months
Key data (in million EUR)1 2011 2010 Change
in %
2011 2010 Change
in %
Sales from continuing operations 1 632 1 550 5% 5 020 4 446 13%
Sales growth excluding forex and scope +8% +15%
REBITDA from continuing operations2 264 233 13% 853 699 22%
REBITDA as a % of sales 16% 15% 17% 16%
REBIT from continuing operations3 178 144 23% 594 427 39%
Result from discontinued operations4 6 8 ns -38 1 726 ns
Net income (Solvay share) 73 10 ns 270 1 779 ns
Basic earnings per share from continuing ope
rations5
0.81 0.03 ns 3.79 0.65 ns
Cash flow from operating activities from conti
nuing operations
193 256 -25% 312 283 10%
Cash flow from investing activities from conti
nuing operations
-4 088 200 ns -4 324 -123 ns
  1. Financial data for the year 2010 were restated to take into account the following change: since January 1, 2011, the Group consolidates joint ventures using the equity method instead of the proportionate method (in line with IAS 31) with a negative impact on the sales of the 3rd quarter 2010 of EUR 150 million and on the sales of the first 9 months of 2010 of EUR 703 million. More information about this is provided on pages 19 to 21 of this press release.

  2. REBITDA: REBIT, before recurring depreciation and amortization

  3. REBIT: measure of operating performance (this is not an IFRS concept as such)

    1. Data from the results of the pharmaceuticals activities up to February 15, 2010 in the Group accounts are consolidated under a single heading in the income statement: "Result from discontinued operations".
    1. Calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of shares in the period, after deduction of own shares purchased to cover the stock option program, or a total of 81 431 355 shares at the end of September 2010 and 81 237 210 shares at the end of September 2011.

Compared with 3rd quarter 2010

Sales REBITDA Net income 1 632 million € 264 million € 73 million € + 5% + 13%

SOLVAY GROUP YEAR-TO-DATE BUSINESS REVIEW (9 MONTHS)

9 months
Key data (in million EUR) 2011 2010 Change in %
Sales1 5 020 4 446 13%
Plastics 2 862 2 516 14%
Chemicals 2 158 1 930 12%
REBITDA 853 699 22%
Plastics 516 399 29%
Chemicals 383 338 13%
New Business Development -22 -19 -14%
Corporate and Business Support -23 -19 -23%
REBIT 594 427 39%
Plastics 373 254 47%
Chemicals 271 217 25%
New Business Development -22 -19 -14%
Corporate and Business Support -29 -24 -17%
  1. Following the implementation of the new organization, an amount of EUR 192 million of sales was transferred from the Chemicals Sector to the Plastics Sector in the figures of the first 9 months of 2010, without any impact on the results.

Business review – 9 months 2011

Sales amounted to EUR 5 020 million, up by 13%. This increase was particularly notable in Asia and Latin America (+12% at the end of September and +5% for the 3rd quarter); Solvay realized 26% of its sales in those areas during the first 9 months. Sales prices are 10% higher than those from last year. Activity was sustained for the first three quarters of the year, as is seen in the 5% increase in sales volumes. This increase was seen in most of the activities; the very high level of sales in Specialty Polymers (products with high added value) should be noted. However, the third-quarter slowdown in PVC global demand and in fluorinated chemicals should be emphasized.

REBITDA amounted to EUR 853 million, up by 22%. The margin - REBITDA on sales - reached 17%, improved in comparison to the first nine months of 2010 (16%). This improvement is explained by sustained capacity utilization rates and by higher average sales prices compared to last year, which overall compensated for the increased costs of energy and some raw materials. The excellent operating performance of Specialty Polymers should be noted (see page 5).

REBIT amounted to EUR 594 million, up by 39%. REBIT from New Business Development amounted to EUR –22 million; it focused primarily on the research efforts made in promising and important areas for development of the Group outside its traditional activities. REBIT of Corporate and Business Support amounted to EUR –29 million.

New Business Development:

The largest fuel cell in the world operating on the SolVin site at Antwerp

Solvay is first in the world to start up a fuel cell with a capacity of 1 MW. This unit reconverts hydrogen from electrolysis into electric energy. It enables Solvay and SolviCore (joint venture created by Solvay and Umicore) to validate under industrial conditions the reliability of their membrane-electrode assemblies that constitute the core of this fuel cell.

PLASTICS 3RD QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW

  • • REBITDA up by 13%
  • • Excellent profitability of Specialty Polymers REBITDA on sales: 31% in a context of sustained global demand
  • • Operating performance of Vinyls under pressure, primarily following a slowdown of demand in Europe
3rd quarter 9 months
Key data (in million EUR)1 2011 Change in % 2011 Change in %
Sales 920 5% 2 862 14%
Specialty Polymers 305 3% 945 10%
Vinyls 615 6% 1 917 16%
Vinyls Europe 349 5% 1 113 17%
Vinyls Asia 94 16% 253 12%
Vinyls South America 135 4% 419 15%
Plastics Integration 37 -5% 133 9%
REBITDA 153 13% 516 29%
Specialty Polymers 93 29% 289 33%
Vinyls 60 -5% 227 44%
REBIT 106 23% 373 47%
Specialty Polymers 72 37% 226 42%
Vinyls 34 1% 147 106%
  1. The 2010 Plastics Sector figures include the results from the first 6 months of 2010 for Inergy Automotive Systems

Specialty Polymers

Sales from Specialty Polymers continued to improve in the third quarter of 2011; sales were 3% higher than the very high level attained last year, and this despite the negative impact of exchange rates. This improvement is explained by the increase in sales prices in a context of sustained demand for high and ultra-high performance polymers. In order to meet this very strong demand, Solvay has made significant efforts to optimize the production structure of its existing installations and to build new ones, in particular in the Asian region. Today, Solvay already makes about 30% of its sales of Specialty Polymers in this region.

REBITDA amounted to EUR 93 million, up by 29% compared to the third quarter of 2010. The margin – REBITDA on sales – amounted to 31% compared to 24% in the third quarter of 2010. Sustained sales volumes, price hikes, a better product mix and strict control of costs explain the excellent profitability of these activities. The improvement in product mix resulted from significant research and innovation efforts in order to develop new applications with high value added. It should be noted in this regard that the portfolio of applications currently being developed is very promising; it includes more than 1,300 active projects and should generate EUR 240 million of additional sales over 3 years.

Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

Vinyls

Sales for Vinyls amounted to EUR 615 million, up by 6% compared to the third quarter of 2010 thanks to the overall higher price level for PVC and caustic soda. However, sales are lower than those in the preceding quarter, mainly due to the drop in PVC sales in Europe. Aside from the typical seasonal effect during the summer, the PVC market has globally been impacted by a slowdown in demand in the current context of economic uncertainty and inventory depletion of customers. The impact is stronger in Europe.

REBITDA amounted to EUR 60 million, down by 5% compared to the third quarter of 2010. The margin – REBITDA on sales – amounted to 10%. The drop in operating result came from Vinyls Europe; aside from a slowdown in demand, the operating performance of this activity was impacted by the higher cost of ethylene and electricity. The operating result of Solvay Indupa (Vinyls South America) was higher than last year; it was, however, impacted by the planned turnaround of the production unit located in Argentina and by the sharp drop in PVC prices due to increased international competition in Latin America. The operating performance of Vinythai (Vinyls Asia), higher than last year, remained very good in the third quarter.

Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

Solvay is enjoying the benefits of the creation of Solvay Specialty Polymers and its commitment to innovation

The Global Business Unit Solvay Specialty Polymers was created in April 2011 in order to capitalize on the growth of the high-performance specialty polymer markets.

A systematic approach regarding manufacturing excellence, expertise in research, customer orientation and response to megatrends due to the establishment of platforms were reflected in an optimized production network, exceptional innovation, a better product mix and increased social orientation for markets linked to urbanization, mobility, health, water filtration and alternative energies.

CHEMICALS 3RD QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW

  • • In Essential Chemicals, globally sustained sales volumes and continued high operating margins
  • • In Special Chemicals, slowdown in demand and operating margins under pressure
  • • Energy costs: high and stable
  • • REBITDA up by 1%
3rd quarter 9 months
Key data (in million EUR) 2011 Change in % 2011 Change in %
Sales 712 6% 2 158 12%
Essential Chemicals1 557 6% 1 687 12%
EMEA2 359 10% 1 091 15%
North America 123 -9% 354 -8%
South America 28 9% 96 50%
Asia Pacific 47 24% 147 41%
Special Chemicals 156 4% 471 9%
REBITDA 118 1% 383 13%
Essential Chemicals 103 10% 319 14%
Special Chemicals 15 -36% 64 6%
REBIT 80 1% 271 25%
Essential Chemicals 73 16% 229 24%
Special Chemicals 8 -55% 42 29%
  1. Soda ash exports from the USA no longer go through ANSAC but are directly handled by Solvay since January 1, 2011. This largely explains the sales drop in North America and the higher sales in Asia and South America.

  2. Europe, Middle-East and Africa

Essential Chemicals

Sales amounted to EUR 557 million, up by 6% compared to the third quarter of 2010.

• In soda ash, sales were higher than last year due to steady demand from the container glass sector and, except for Southern Europe, an improvement in activity in the flat glass sector. In terms of geography, demand remained high in Northern and Eastern Europe while the American market continued to benefit from the high level of exports to Asia and South America. Sales volumes for bicarbonate remained at a very high level, especially for environmental and medical applications. Aside from sales volumes, the improvement in sales of soda ash and derivatives was explained by the higher level of sales prices.

Caustic soda benefited from sales prices appreciably higher than those of last year, despite a slight price decline versus last quarter, in a context of continued good demand.

• The epichlorohydrin business has been confronted with a slowdown in demand since the 3rd quarter, which had an impact on both sales volumes and prices.

• In hydrogen peroxide, sales were comparable to the very high level attained in the third quarter of last year. Sales volumes remained steady in all regions, supported by high demand for paper pulp from countries with strong growth. The other markets, in particular the chemicals industry, mining industry and environmental applications, also continued to perform well. This generated gradual increases in sales prices.

REBITDA amounted to EUR 103 million, up by 10%. The margin – REBITDA on sales – amounted to 19%. That is higher than the third quarter of 2010 (18%) despite the high level of energy costs (coke, steam, electricity). The increase in sales prices and volumes compensated for the rise in these costs.

Special Chemicals

Sales in the third quarter of 2011 amounted to EUR 156 million, up by 4% compared to last year due to better sales volumes. They were, however, lower than in the preceding quarter. This downturn is explained by a drop in sales of fluorinated chemicals due to a sharp slowdown in demand in electronics and stronger competition in refrigerant applications; sales to the automotive industry continued to be sustained.

REBITDA amounted to EUR 15 million, down by 36% compared to the very high level achieved in the third quarter of last year. The profit margin of the fluorinated chemicals was impacted by a drop in sales prices in a less-tight market although the cost of raw materials remained high. It should be noted that the Solvay's upstream integration, through fluorspar extraction, has been especially important in this context.

Special Chemicals - Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

Significant development of hydrogen peroxide activities in Asia

Solvay recently started up two new hydrogen peroxide plants in Asia. Built in Thailand in partnership with The Dow Chemical Company, the first plant has a capacity of 330 000 tons per year, making it the largest hydrogen peroxide plant in the world. Its production will essentially be destined for propylene oxide production. With this plant, Solvay has reinforced its leadership position in this new captive market.

The second new plant is located in China. Built in partnership with the Huatai group and with a capacity of 50 000 tons per year, it constitutes an opportunity for Solvay to gain a presence at the industrial and commercial level in this important market.

RHODIA 3RD QUARTER BUSINESS REVIEW

All performance indicators presented hereafter reflect and result from the application of Rhodia accounting principles and performance definitions outstanding prior to the acquisition and consolidation of former Rhodia group. Former Rhodia group 3rd quarter income statements as at September 30, 2011 presented hereafter are not part of the consolidated income statements of Solvay group as of the same date. The results of the former Rhodia group will only contribute to Solvay net income as of 4th quarter 2011.

The sole purpose of this additional information is to enable the understanding of former Rhodia group operating performance in the first 3 quarters of 2011 on a standalone basis.

  • • Sales volumes up by 4%, reflecting good business dynamics
  • • REBITDA1 at EUR 273 million, up by 16% year-on-year
  • • Sustained strong pricing power: EUR 47 million net positive price impact at EBITDA
3rd quarter 9 months
Key data (in million EUR) 2011 Change in % 2011 Change in %
Net sales 1 670 22.8% 4 790 23.9%
Consumer Chemicals 624 29.2% 1 834 30.9%
Advanced Materials 272 95.7% 673 73%
Polyamide Materials 479 6.2% 1 396 10.2%
Acetow & Eco Services 219 4.8% 640 8.8%
Energy Services 50 -7.4% 164 19.7%
Corporate & Others 26 8.3% 83 -1.2%
REBITDA1 273 16.2% 853 25.1%
Consumer Chemicals 82 13.9% 274 26.3%
Advanced Materials 87 210.7% 211 163.8%
Polyamide Materials 52 -26.8% 182 -3.7%
Acetow & Eco Services 49 -12.5% 148 0
Energy Services 37 -7.5% 131 9.2%
Corporate & Others -34 -6.3% -93 -29.2%
  1. Recurring EBITDA before Restructuring and Other operating income/ expenses

Compared with 3rd quarter 2010

Sales REBITDA 1 670 million € 273 million € + 23% + 16%

Consumer Chemicals

Up by 29% year-on-year, net sales amounted to EUR 624 million driven by sustained healthy business dynamics. This important increase mainly stemmed from volume growth, both organic +3% and external +13% (following Feixiang acquisition), and global price increases of 20%, while forex impacts, namely relative to USD and Brazilian Real against Euro, were unfavourable.

Within the Cluster, Novecare continued reporting the largest growth driven by its innovative solutions for shale Oil & Gas exploitation, coupled with the highly successful new product developments (like anti-drift and glyphosate solutions) serving a strong Agro market. Coatis also reported volume growth in 3rd quarter 11. Aroma Performance is implementing a strategic Food Safety repositioning with its vanilla Rhovanil®, Rhovanil® Natural and Rhodiarome® brands dedicated for the food market, and is launching a new Rhovea™ range customized for perfumery & other markets.

Recurring EBITDA amounted to EUR 82 million, up by 14% compared to the year ago quarter. The three GBUs enjoyed good pricing power, succeeding to more than fully compensate increased raw material costs through higher selling prices. REBITDA margin at 13.1% compared to 14.9% in the 3rd quarter 2010 reflecting adverse forex impacts (accounting for 1.3 pp) and undergoing investments-for-growth.

Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

Advanced Materials

In the 3rd quarter 2011, Advanced Materials reported net sales of EUR 272 million, nearly doubling last year level. Advanced Materials continued benefiting from a product portfolio well-suited to global market sustainable mega trends and an unmatched competitive positioning. Sales price increases were particularly important (+76% year-on-year), primarily attributable to rare earths cost inflation. Overall volume increased by 26% driven by both Rare Earth Systems, most notably in the Lighting segment, and to a lesser extent, by Silica that remained dynamic.

Advanced Materials posted a highest ever REBITDA of EUR 87 million, three times higher than last year period, that translated into a 32% margin versus 20% in the 3rd quarter 2010. Both Silica and Rare Earths Systems benefited from strong pricing.

Rare Earth Systems disposes of a unique optimized competitive sourcing that combines presence in China and technological-edge recycling know-how. Furthermore, over the past quarters, this business segment has enjoyed exceptionally high market pricing conditions that should normalize going forward.

Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

Further progress in Rare Earths sourcing diversification strategy New Rare Earths recycling project in the area of magnets

After its low-energy light bulbs and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, Rare Earth Systems announced a new recycling project in the area of magnets, posting a further step in Rhodia's strategy to secure and diversify its sourcing. Additionally, a new production unit was commissioned at Rhodia's Liyang site to manufacture rare earth-based compounds for the Chinese automotive catalysis market.

Polyamide Materials

Over the quarter, Polyamide Materials' demand was affected by the usual summer seasonal pattern coupled with a business slowdown that became noticeable since September. Net sales amounted to EUR 479 million, up by 6% compared to last year quarter, reflecting increased prices of 10%, in a context of higher raw material and energy costs, while volume was globally down by -2%. Engineering Plastics' volume increased by 4%, but was more than offset by the persisting decline in Fibras (eroded competitiveness of Brazilian textile manufacturing industry) and, to a lesser extent, by softness in Polymide & Intermediates.

Recurring EBITDA amounted to EUR 52 million, representing a -27% decline compared to a demanding last year quarter comparison at peak levels. Weaker business dynamics also translated in margin pressure over the period.

Volume/Mix Price Forex Scope Total -2% +10% -2% +1% +6% Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

Acetow & Eco Services

Acetow & Eco Services reported net sales of EUR 219 million, a 5% increased compared to the 3rd quarter of 2010. This was fully due to price increases (+11%) whereas volumes remained resilient at similar levels and forex represented a -6% adverse impact.

Acetow reported a robust performance driven by continuous sound demand. Eco Services also benefited from a solid activity corresponding to the usual driving season.

Pricing power across both businesses remained satisfactory. However, unfavourable forex evolution and some exceptional one-off expenses impacted earnings. Thus, Recurring EBITDA amounted to EUR 49 million, down compared to EUR 56 million reported in the preceding year quarter.

Energy Services

Energy Services relies on its expertise in energy optimization and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to develop "Climate Care" solutions that help respond to the challenges of sustainable development through the production of renewable energies.

In the 3rd quarter, Energy Services reported REBITDA of EUR 37 million compared to EUR 40 million in the 3rd quarter of 2010. CER volumes sold during the period were higher than last year, but this favourable effect was fully offset by lower average selling prices that went down to 11 EUR per ton from 14 EUR per ton.

For the full year, a large majority of expected 2011 CER production is already hedged at a price close to 12 EUR per ton, reflecting the effectiveness of the Group long-term hedging policy.

Factors influencing sales (% of 3Q10 sales)

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCOME STATEMENT1

Million EUR 3rd quarter 9 months
(except for per-share figures in EUR) 2011 2010 2011 2010
Sales 1 632 1 550 5 020 4 446
Combined sales2 1 796 1 700 5 487 5 149
Cost of goods sold -1 322 -1 247 -3 996 -3 610
Gross margin 310 304 1 023 836
Commercial and administrative costs -125 -120 -370 -350
Research and development costs -31 -30 -94 -93
Other operating gains and losses 10 -20 -1 -7
Earnings from associates and joint ventures accounted for using the
equity method
14 11 36 41
REBITDA 264 233 853 699
REBIT 178 144 594 427
Non-recurring items -30 -122 -30 -234
EBIT 148 23 563 193
Cost of borrowings -36 -37 -108 -101
Interest on lendings and short-term deposits 11 6 31 14
Other gains and losses on net indebtedness -5 -3 -10 -7
Cost of discounting provisions -13 -14 -37 -39
Income/loss from available-for-sale investments 0 -1 1 0
Result before taxes 104 -27 441 58
Income taxes -25 37 -87 22
Result from continuing operations 80 10 354 81
Result from discontinued operations 6 8 -38 1 726
Net income 86 18 316 1 807
Non-controlling interests -13 -8 -46 -28
Net income Solvay share 73 10 270 1 779
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations 0.81 0.03 3.79 0.65
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.08 0.16 -0.46 21.19
Basic earnings per share 0.89 0.19 3.33 21.84
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 0.81 0.03 3.77 0.65
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.08 0.16 -0.46 21.15
Diluted earnings per share 0.89 0.18 3.31 21.80
  1. Without consolidation of Rhodia's 3rd quarter 2011 income statement

  2. Combined sales corresponding to sales of consolidated companies plus Solvay's share of sales of joint ventures and associates after intercompany elimination is provided for information purposes to facilitate the transition to the new accounting method for joint ventures using the equity method since January 2011 (see p20)

Additional comments on the income statement of the first 9 months of 2011

Non-recurring items amounted to EUR -30 million. They included a partial reversal by EUR 24 million of the existing provision following the decision by the European General Court to reduce the fine imposed on Solvay in 2006 by the European Commission for violations of competition rules in the peroxide market. Solvay has filed a further appeal as it believes that its defence arguments have not been fully accounted for

Charges on net indebtedness amounted to EUR -124 million. The charges on borrowings amounted to EUR -108 million. These correspond to the cost of the gross financial debt of the Solvay Group. Interest on cash deposits and investments amounted to EUR 31 million. The cost of discounting provisions amounted to EUR -37 million.

Income taxes amounted to EUR -87 million. The effective tax rate at the end of September 2011 was 20%.

Net income amounted to EUR 316 million. The negative contribution of "discontinued operations" of EUR -38 million was explained primarily by the post-closing adjustment of EUR -47 million related to working capital following the sale of the pharmaceuticals activities.

Net income Solvay share amounted to EUR 270 million.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME1

3rd quarter 9 months
Million EUR 2011 2010 2011 2010
Net income 86 18 316 1 807
Gains and losses on available-for-sale financial assets -9 5 -6 -3
Gains and losses on hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge -3 6 -4 -1
Actuarial gains and losses on defined benefit pension plans -12 2 -35 -185
Currency translation differences 116 -182 -81 236
Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint
ventures accounted for using the equity method
-25 -45 -40 -18
Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive
income
5 -2 14 54
Other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects 72 -217 -152 83
Comprehensive income attributed to 158 -199 164 1 889
Owners of the parent 143 -187 141 1 827
Non-controlling interests 14 -12 23 62
  1. Without consolidation of Rhodia's 3rd quarter 2011 income statement

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (BALANCE SHEET)

Million EUR September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Non-current assets 11 397 5 128
Intangible assets 427 111
Goodwill 4 022 68
Tangible assets 4 767 3 276
Available-for-sale investments 79 62
Investments in joint ventures and associates – equity
method
783 346
Other investments 116 275
Deferred tax assets 754 631
Loans and other non-current assets 450 360
Current assets 7 531 8 633
Inventories 1 653 761
Trade receivables 2 645 1 651
Income tax receivables 32 12
Dividends receivable 1 1
Other current receivables - Financial instruments 196 3 722
Other current receivables – Other 719 533
Cash and cash equivalents 2 250 1 954
Assets held for sale 35 0
TOTAL ASSETS 18 928 13 761
Total equity 6 616 6 708
Share capital 1 271 1 271
Reserves 4 853 5 017
Non-controlling interests 492 419
Non-current liabilities 8 003 4 730
Long-term provisions: employees benefits 2 574 1 041
Other long-term provisions 1 304 946
Deferred tax liabilities 186 163
Long-term financial debt 3 763 2 535
Other non-current liabilities 176 46
Current liabilities 4 309 2 323
Short-term provisions: employees benefits 59 78
Other short-term provisions 233 58
Short-term financial debt 614 148
Trade liabilities 2 414 1 428
Income tax payable 107 62
Dividends payable 2 100
Other current liabilities 874 450
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale 6 0
TOTAL EQUITY & LIABILITIES 18 928 13 761

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Fair value
differences
Million EUR Share capital Issue premiums Retained
earnings
Treasury shares translation diff.
Currency
Available for sale
investments
Cash flow hedges Defined benefit
pension plans
Total Non-controlling
interests
Total equity
Balance – 31/12/2009 1271 18 4272 -218 -612 21 3 0 4754 406 5160
Net profit for the period 1777 1777 46 1823
Income and expenses
directly allocated to equity
238 -10 1 -131 99 40 139
Comprehensive income 0 0 1777 0 238 -10 1 -131 1876 86 1962
Cost of stock options 10 10 10
Dividends -240 -240 -8 -248
Acquisition/sale of trea
sury shares
-83 -83 -83
Issure of share capital 0 0
Increase (decrease)
through changes in
ownership interests in
subsidiaries that do not
result in loss of control
-22 -22 -65 -86
Other -6 -6 0 -6
Balance – 31/12/2010 1271 18 5791 -301 -374 11 4 -1311 6289 419 6708
Net profit for the period 270 270 46 316
Income and expenses
directly allocated to
equity
-97 -6 -3 -22 -129 -23 -152
Comprehensive income 0 0 270 0 -97 -6 -3 -22 141 23 164
Cost of stock options 6 6 6
Dividends -151 -151 -11 -162
Acquisition/sale of trea
sury shares
13 13 13
Issure of share capital 0 0
Increase (decrease)
through changes in
ownership interests in
subsidiaries that do not
result in loss of control
-170 -170 61 -109
Other -4 -4 0 -4
Balance – 30/9/2011 1271 18 5743 -289 -471 5 1 -153 6124 492 6616
  1. Impact of change of accounting policy of post-employment benefit

CASH FLOW STATEMENT1

3rd quarter 9 months
Million EUR 2011 2010 2011 2010
EBIT 152 25 520 225
Depreciation, amortization and impairments 86 292 263 513
Changes in working capital 90 100 -203 -146
Changes in provisions -83 -11 -131 -34
Income taxes paid -32 -26 -89 -57
Others -23 -122 -65 -183
Cash flow from operating activities 191 257 294 318
Acquisition (-) of subsidiaries -3 953 0 -3 953 0
Acquisition (-) of investments - Other -54 -34 -183 -98
Sale (+) of subsidiaries 0 -5 0 4 446
Sale (+) of investments - Others 1 279 1 279
Acquisition (-) of tangible and intangible assets -111 -64 -252 -153
Sale (+) of tangible and intangible assets 1 13 5 17
Income from available-for-sale investments 0 0 1 1
Changes in non-current financial assets 28 6 57 -172
Other 0 0 0 1
Cash flow from investing activities -4 088 195 -4 324 4 323
Capital increase (+) / redemption (-) 52 0 32 -27
Acquisition (-) / sale (+) of treasury shares -16 -11 13 -90
Changes in borrowings 75 -43 124 18
Changes in other current financial assets 981 -760 3 546 -3 873
Cost of borrowings -36 -37 -108 -105
Interest on lendings and short-term deposits 11 6 31 15
Other -4 -3 -10 -7
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures accounted for using
the equity method
8 20 37 25
Dividends paid 3 -4 -264 -248
Cash flow from financing activities 1 071 -833 3 401 -4 293
Net change in cash and cash equivalents -2 826 -381 -629 348
Currency translation differences 6 -17 -6 20
Acquisition of Rhodia's cash 931 0 931 0
Opening cash balance 4 139 2 181 1 954 1 415
Closing cash balance 2 250 1 783 2 250 1 783
Free Cash Flow1
from continuing operations
-3 895 457 -4 012 158
  1. Without consolidation of Rhodia's 3rd quarter 2011 cash flow statement

  2. Free Cash Flow = cash flow from operating activities + cash flow from investing activities

Free Cash Flow1

from discontinued operations -2 -5 -18 4 481

CASH FLOW FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

3rd quarter 9 months
Million EUR 2011 2010 2011 2010
Cash flow from operating activities -2 0 -18 35
Cash flow from investing activities 0 -5 0 4 446
Cash flow from financing activities 0 0 0 0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents -2 -5 -18 4 481

Additional comments on the cash flow statement of the first 9 months of 2011:

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to EUR 294 million compared to EUR 318 million in the first 9 months of 2010. In addition to the operating income, the following items are to be highlighted:

  • • Depreciation and amortization of assets of EUR 263 million compared to EUR 513 million at the end of September 2010. This difference was explained primarily by the impairments of industrial assets recorded last year in soda ash in Europe, hydrogen peroxide and fluorinated chemicals activities.
  • • An increase of the working capital by EUR 203 million (without considering Rhodia) compared to the end of December 2010.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to EUR –4 324 million.

  • • The main investment concerns the acquisition of Rhodia for an amount of EUR 3 953 million.
  • • Aside from health, safety and the environment as well as maintenance of industrial assets, the other investments involved a limited number of strategic projects oriented in priority to geographic expansion and to the choices made in terms of sustainable development. The most material investment in the first 9 months of 2011 involved an increase in capital of EUR 152 million in RusVinyl (partnership between SolVin and Sibur for construction of a PVC plant in Russia).

The resulting Free Cash Flow of the first 9 months of 2011 amounted to EUR -4 030 million.

Treasury shares

Given the success of the tender offer for Rhodia, the 880 766 shares held by Solvay SA, as temporary partial redeployment of the cash from the sale of the Pharmaceuticals activities, were transferred to the Solvay Stock Option Management SPRL in order to cover the stock options program.

RESULTS BY SEGMENT BEFORE ELIMINATION OF INTER-COMPANY SALES

3rd quarter 9 months
Million EUR 2011 2010 2011 2010
Sales 1 632 1 550 5 020 4 446
Plastics
Sales 979 1 057 3 076 3 040
Inter-segment sales -59 -179 -214 -524
External sales 920 878 2 862 2 516
Chemicals
Sales 750 779 2 263 2 247
Inter-segment sales -37 -107 -105 -317
External sales 712 672 2 158 1 930
REBITDA 264 233 853 699
Plastics 153 136 516 399
Chemicals 118 117 383 338
New Business Development -8 -7 -22 -19
Corporate and Business Support 0 -13 -23 -19
REBIT 178 144 594 427
Plastics 106 87 373 254
Chemicals 80 80 271 217
New Business Development -8 -7 -22 -19
Corporate and Business Support -1 -15 -29 -24
EBIT 148 23 563 193
Plastics 101 221 355 360
Chemicals 81 -185 289 -115
New Business Development -8 -7 -22 -19
Corporate and Business Support -26 -7 -59 -33

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS:

1. Consolidated financial statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with IFRS standards as currently adopted in the European Union. The same accounting policies have been implemented as for the latest annual financial statements, except for the elements developed in the note 3 below. The primary variations in perimeter between nine months of 2010 and 2011 involve:

  • • The sale of the pharmaceuticals activities on February 15, 2010.
  • • The reintroduction, during the second quarter of 2010, in the Chemicals sector of the assets and liabilities linked to the precipitated calcium carbonate activity, following the decision to terminate the sale process for this activity.
  • • The sale of Inergy Automotive Systems on July 1, 2010.
  • • The entry of EBRD in the capital of Solvin Holding NL (parent company of Rusvinyl) with effect as from 30 September 2011 (impact on the value of «Investments in joint ventures and associates - equity method»).
  • • The acquisition of Rhodia of which the accounting impact is detailed in note 4.

2. Limited review by the auditor

Deloitte have reviewed the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements of Solvay SA/NV and its subsidiaries (jointly "the Group"), prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium. A limited review consists of making inquiries of group management and applying analytical and other review procedures to the interim financial information and underlying financial data. A limited review is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with the auditing standards on consolidated financial statements. Based on their review nothing has come to their attention that causes them to believe that the interim consolidated financial statements of the group have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable in Belgium.

3. Changes in accounting policy

Since January 1, 2011, the Solvay Group has consolidated its joint ventures by the equity method and no longer by the proportionate method (in line with IAS 31).

Consolidation by the equity method leads to recognize in the consolidated accounts only the Group share of:

  • • The joint ventures equity for the statement of financial position (balance sheet);
  • • The joint ventures net income at the level of the income statement (included in the Group REBIT);
  • • The cash inflows and outflows between the joint ventures and the fully consolidated subsidiaries (primarily the dividends paid by the joint ventures and the investments in the joint ventures) at the level of the cash flow statement.

The net financial situation of the joint ventures will no longer be reported.

The reasons for applying this new accounting policy are the following ones:

  • • The new IFRS 11 requiring the application of the equity method for joint ventures was published in May 2011, with mandatory compliance as from 2013.
  • • The implementation of the new organizational structure (Horizon) and the repositioning of the Group will lead to significant changes in the financial statements. It is preferable to enact all changes in 2011, including consolidation of the joint ventures by the equity method, and in this way, avoid further modifications in financial reporting when the new IFRS 11 will be adopted.

Following the acquisition of Rhodia, the accounting policies for post-employment benefits have been aligned.

For long term post-employment benefits provisions (IAS19), this leads Solvay to recognize changes in actuarial gains and losses outside income statement directly in equity (Other Comprehensive Income) instead of keeping the corridor method. This is an anticipation of the revised IAS19 norm which will no longer recognize the corridor method from 2013 onwards. Additionally, the discount rates and mortality tables are harmonized.

The following tables summarize the impact of those modifications of accounting methods:

a) On the income statement and the total comprehensive income:

9 months 2011 9 months 2010
Continuing Operations1 Continuing Operations1
Million EUR Equity method Proportionate
method
Equity method Proportionate
method
Sales 5 020 5 487 4 446 5 149
Gross Margin 1 023 1 133 836 979
REBIT 594 611 427 447
EBIT 563 580 193 208
Result before taxes 441 456 58 71
Net income 316 316 79 79
Net income Solvay share 270 270 52 52
Other comprehensive income -152 -152 83 83
Comprehensive income 164 164 162 162
  1. No subsidiary is consolidated by the equity method in Discontinued Operations.

b) On the cash flow statement:

9 months 2011 9 months 2010
Million EUR Continuing Operations1 Continuing Operations1
Proportionate
Equity method
method
Equity method Proportionate
method
Cash flow from operating activities 294 240 283 343
Cash flow from investing activities -4 324 -4 354 -123 -196
Cash flow from financing activities 3 401 3 486 -4 293 -4 306
  1. No subsidiary is consolidated by the equity method in Discontinued Operations.

c) On the statement of financial position (balance sheet):

After Rhodia's
acquisition
Before Rhodia's acquisition
30/9/2011 31/12/2010 31/12/2009
Million EUR Equity method Proportionate
method
after «abandon of
Equity method
corridor»
before «abandon of
Equity Method
corridor»
Proportionate
method
Equity method Proportionate
method
Non-current assets 11 397 11 477 5 128 5 076 5 205 4 906 5 075
Current assets including: 7 531 7 789 8 633 8 633 8 809 7 173 7 471
Assets held for sale – Pharma 3 408 3 408
Assets held for sale – Other 35 35 53 53
Total assets 18 928 19 266 13 761 13 709 14 014 12 079 12 546
Total equity 6 616 6 616 6 708 6 839 6 839 5 160 5 160
Non-current liabilities 8 003 8 141 4 730 4 547 4 636 4 396 4 536
Current liabilities including: 4 309 4 510 2 323 2 323 2 540 2 524 2 851
Liabilities associated with assets
held for sale - Pharma
1 012 1 012
Liabilities associated with assets
held for sale - Other
6 6 11 11
Total equity & liabilities 18 928 19 266 13 761 13 709 14 014 12 079 12 546

4. Overall description of Rhodia acquisition and its accounting treatment

Based on the results of the tender offer, 95.9% of the share capital and of the voting rights of Rhodia were acquired by Solvay on September 7, 2011, together with 97.51% of the convertible bonds "OCEANE".

Solvay implemented a squeeze-out procedure for the remaining shares (4.1%) and convertible bonds on September 15, 2011.

Accounting treatment

The contributive opening balance sheet of Rhodia was consolidated in the Group accounts on September 30, 2011.

Rhodia's results and cash flow will be consolidated as from October 1, 2011. As a consequence, except for the acquisition costs, Rhodia's acquisition had no impact on Solvay's net profit and earnings per share in the 3rd quarter 2011.

Rhodia's opening balance sheet as at September 30, 2011 is subject to the Purchase Accounting (IFRS 3). This will lead to:

  • • Assess Rhodia's tangible assets, intangible assets, liabilities at fair value,
  • • Recognize at fair value some intangible assets which Rhodia had not previously recognized as assets,
  • • Recognize Rhodia's contingent liabilities (not previously recognized by Rhodia on a stand alone basis).

Purchase Accounting must be completed within the 12 months following the acquisition date (September 7, 2011). Until its completion, provisional accounting will prevail.

For the 3rd quarter closing, only the contingent liabilities and the financial net debt have been remeasured and booked at fair value. The remeasurement at fair value of the other assets and liabilities is in progress and will retroactively be booked in the opening balance sheet as at September 30 within 12 months from the acquisition.

Until the Purchase Accounting is completed, a provisional goodwill is booked for the difference between the price paid to acquire the 95.9% of total shares and the book value in the Group's accounts of 95.9% of Rhodia's net assets under provisional accounting. This provisional goodwill will be reduced to reflect the remeasurement at fair value of assets and liabilities under the Purchase Price Accounting process.

Regarding the squeeze-out of the 4.1% remaining shares, the difference between the price paid to acquire those shares and the book value in the Group's accounts of 4.1% of Rhodia's net assets under provisional accounting (EUR -141 million) is recognized against Group's equity, without impact on goodwill and income statement.

It should be noted that the remeasurement of stocks at fair value in the 4th quarter 2011 will be allocated to non-recurring items based on stocks' turnover rate since September 30.

Amounts recognized in Solvay's balance sheet for major classes of assets and liabilities (IFRS 3 B64 – i)

Million EUR Purchase Accounting status
Fixed assets 1 892 Initiated
Non consolidated subsidiaries 22 Initiated
Joint Ventures (excl. Joint Operations) 80 Initiated
Loans and other non current assets 126 Initiated
Working capital 532 Initiated
Assets held for sale 29 Initiated
Deferred taxes 95 Initiated
Provisions -2 124 Recorded
Income tax payables -35 Recorded
Other non current debt -71 Initiated
Net financial debt -632 Recorded
Net assets -86

Provisional goodwill

Acquisition of
95.9% of total
shares
Squeeze-out
of the 4,1%
remaining shares
Total
Price consideration 3 816 137 3 953
Vested and non-vested stock options 60 60
Subtotal 3 876 137 4 013
Net Assets -137 -6 -1441
Purchase Accounting (net of deferred tax assets) 221 10 2311
Contingent liabilities 86 4 90
Financial debt 135 6 141
Provisionnal goodwill 3 959 3 959
Reduction of equity 141 141
  1. Net assets as of September, 30 2011: EUR 144 million – EUR 231 million = EUR -86 million

Acquisition-related costs

The acquisition costs for Rhodia expensed at the end of September 2011 amounted to EUR 25 million and were accounted for as non-recurring items.

Pro-forma information

Pro-forma figures of the combined Group can be derived from the information contained on page 3 (Solvay) and page 9 (Rhodia).

5. Content

This results report contains regulated information and is established in compliance with IAS 34. A risk analysis is included in the annual report, which is available on www.solvay.com.

6. Primary exchange rates

Closing Average
1 Euro 9 months
2011
9 months
2010
2010 9 months
2011
9 months
2010
2010
Pound Sterling GBP 0.867 0.860 0.861 0.871 0.857 0.858
American Dollar USD 1.350 1.365 1.336 1.407 1.315 1.326
Argentine Peso ARS 5.678 5.415 5.329 5.757 5.125 5.194
Brazilian Real BRL 2.507 2.320 2.218 2.294 2.342 2.332
Thai Baht THB 42.048 41.442 40.170 42.641 42.466 42.025
Japanese Yen JPY 103.79 113.68 108.65 113.19 117.66 116.25

7. Solvay shares

9 months 2011 9 months 2010 2010
Number of shares issued at the end of the period 84 701 133 84 701 133 84 701 133
Average number of shares for IFRS calculation of
earnings per share
81 237 210 81 431 355 81 320 011
Average number of shares for IFRS calculation of
diluted income per share
81 663 531 81 592 533 81 499 005

8. Declaration by responsible persons

Christian Jourquin, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Bernard de Laguiche, Chief Financial Officer, declare that to the best of their knowledge:

  • a. The summary financial information, prepared in conformity with applicable accounting standards, reflects a faithful image of the net worth, financial situation and results of the Solvay Group;
  • b. The intermediate report contains a faithful presentation of significant events occurring during the nine first months of 2011, and their impact on the summary financial situation;
  • c. There are no transactions with related parties.

Key dates for investors:

January 19, 2012 : Prepayment on dividend for 2011 February 16, 2012 : Annual results for 2011 (7:30 AM)

For additional information:

> Erik De Leye

Corporate Press Officer - Solvay Tel: 32 2 509 72 30

E-mail: [email protected]

> Lamia Narcisse

Media Relations - Rhodia Tel: +33 (0)1 53 56 59 62

E-mail: [email protected]

Solvay Investor Relations

Tel. 32-2-509.60.16

E-mail: [email protected]

> Patrick Verelst

Head of Investor Relations - Solvay Tel: 32 2 509 72 43

E-mail: [email protected]

> Maria Alcon Hidalgo

Head of Investor Relations - Rhodia Tel: 33 (0)1 53 56 64 89

E-mail: [email protected]

SOLVAY is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player which is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders.

Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving quality of life and its customers' performance in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment and electronics.

The Group is headquartered in Brussels, employs about 30,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12 billion in sales (pro forma) in 2010. Solvay SA is listed on NYSE Euronext (SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR).

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