Earnings Release • May 5, 2021
Earnings Release
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer

First quarter 2021 Financial report

Published on May 5, 2021, at 7:00 a.m.
Besides IFRS accounts, Solvay also presents alternative performance indicators to provide a more consistent and comparable indication of the Group's underlying financial performance and financial position, as well as cash flows. These indicators provide a balanced view of the Group's operations and are considered useful to investors, analysts and credit rating agencies as these measures provide relevant information on the Group's past or future performance, position or cash flows. These indicators are generally used in the sector it operates in and therefore serve as a useful aid for investors to compare the Group's performance with its peers. The underlying performance indicators adjust IFRS figures for the non-cash Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) accounting impacts related to acquisitions, for the coupons of perpetual hybrid bonds, classified as equity under IFRS but treated as debt in the underlying statements, for impairments and for other elements that would distort the analysis of the Group's underlying performance. The comments on the results made on pages 3 to 8 are on an underlying basis, unless otherwise stated.
| Underlying, (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | % yoy | % organic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 2,373 | 2,474 | -4.1% | +1.9% |
| EBITDA | 583 | 569 | +2.5% | +10.3% |
| EBITDA margin | 24.6% | 23.0% | +1.6pp | - |
| FCF to shareholders from continuing operations | 282 | 202 | +39.8% | - |
| FCF conversion ratio (LTM) | 54.8% | 40.4% | +14.4pp | - |
"First quarter results reflect the continued economic recovery visible across many of our markets. I am pleased to see that our disciplined structural actions taken last year to lower the company's cost base have enabled strong quality of earnings. We have also maintained our sharp focus on cash management, delivering eight consecutive quarters of positive free cash flow generation. Looking ahead, we are investing in our growth platforms, our front line, and in innovation that will support sustainable top line growth across the mid-term."
Full year underlying EBITDA is estimated between €2.0 and €2.2 billion, and Free Cash Flow is estimated around €650 million, up from the prior estimate between €600 and €650 million.
1 Barring additional deterioration related to a third wave of Covid-19 in the second half.
Underlying key figures
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | % yoy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 2,373 | 2,474 | -4.1% |
| EBITDA | 583 | 569 | +2.5% |
| EBITDA margin | 24.6% | 23.0% | +1.6pp |
| EBIT | 382 | 371 | +2.9% |
| Net financial charges | -63 | -68 | +8.4% |
| Income tax expenses | -70 | -76 | +7.7% |
| Tax rate | 24% | 26% | -2.7pp |
| Profit from discontinued operations | 1 | 21 | n.m. |
| (Profit) / loss attributable to non-controlling interests | -9 | -11 | -14.8% |
| Profit / (loss) attributable to Solvay shareholders | 240 | 236 | +1.8% |
| Basic earnings per share (in €) | 2.33 | 2.28 | +1.9% |
| of which from continuing operations | 2.31 | 2.08 | +11.2% |
| Capex in continuing operations | 100 | 163 | -38.6% |
| FCF to Solvay shareholders from continuing operations | 282 | 202 | +39.8% |
| FCF to Solvay shareholders | 282 | 197 | +43.0% |
| FCF conversion ratio (LTM) | 54.8% | 40.4% | +14.4pp |
| Net financial debt | 4,157 | ||
| Underlying leverage ratio | 2.1 |
Net sales of €2,373 million in Q1 2021 were down 4.1% due mainly to the 5.9% negative impact from currency and scope, but up 1.9% organically. First quarter sales (+7% sequentially), marks the third consecutive sequential increase, reflecting improving market conditions across most businesses, especially in automotive, electronics, mining and construction industries. Volume growth in each of these markets combined with a supportive pricing environment drove the organic

sales increase, which was partially offset by lower volumes in civil aerospace. Geographically, all regions progressed sequentially, with sales in China up by 30% versus the first quarter 2020.
Underlying EBITDA of €583 million was up 2.5% (+10.3% organically) in Q1 2021 as a result of higher sales and €80 million of additional structural cost savings. As a result, the EBITDA margin reached a record 24.6% in the quarter.

Free cash flow to shareholders from continuing operations reached €282 million, a 40% increase versus Q1 2020, reflecting continued discipline in working capital management, with working capital to sales ratio reaching 12% in Q1 2021. FCF was further supported by lower cash costs related to improvements in pension management.

Underlying net financial debt was roughly stable at €4.2 billion compared to December 2020, with strong free cash flow generation, the proceeds from divestments, the €52 million purchase of the EBRD shares in the Solvay holding of the Rusvinyl Joint Venture, and the €102 million additional voluntary pension contributions made in Belgium in January 2021. Credit ratings

remain strong at BBB (S&P) and Baa2 (Moody's), and the outlook is now stable for both agencies following a recent improvement in outlook by Moody's.
Provisions are down by €208 million to €2.9 billion compared to December 2020, primarily related to €102 million voluntary pension contributions in Belgium and the impact of higher discount rates, and despite a €174 million non-cash restructuring provision related to the cost savings plan announced in February. Solvay continues to make progress on its pension funding roadmap, with cumulative funding of €768 million since

Q4 2019, which has significantly reduced annual pension cash costs by more than €100 million.
| Net sales Q1 | Underlying | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2020 | Scope | Forex conversion |
Volume & mix |
Price | Q1 2021 |
| Solvay | 2,474 | -16 | -130 | 40 | 4 | 2,373 |
| Materials | 789 | -8 | -36 | -51 | -5 | 689 |
| Chemicals | 800 | -3 | -52 | 29 | 16 | 791 |
| Solutions | 883 | -4 | -42 | 62 | -8 | 891 |
| CBS | 1 | - | - | 1 | - | 3 |
Sales in Q1 2021 were down 12.7% (7.5% organically) as headwinds in civil aero continue to weigh on the segment; a significant part of the decline was supported by continued recovery in specialty polymers.
Sales in Specialty Polymers increased by +6.3% (+10% organically) compared to the first quarter of 2020, and by +12% sequentially versus the fourth quarter 2020. This was driven by the continued strong demand in the automotive industry, partly related to the restocking effect. Automotive sales were up +19% versus Q1 2020, led by 80% growth in batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. Other markets, including electronics and building were also solid, while healthcare was a bit softer than last year. Strong volume growth in Specialty Polymers was able to offset part of the headwinds related to civil aerospace.
Composite Materials sales were down 42.3% (36.6% organically) year on year, but improved by +8.6% sequentially versus the fourth quarter 2020. As expected, civil aerospace remains challenged yet improved sequentially compared to Q4 2020, while the defense and space sectors remain resilient.
Segment EBITDA decreased by 9.7% (4.7% organically) year on year, but was up +35% sequentially versus Q4, demonstrating the cost savings initiatives implemented in 2020, mainly attributed to the Composite Materials business following two plant closures. Pricing was sustained despite the various headwinds (raw material, supply chain and logistics issues). These initiatives supported a strong EBITDA margin of 29.9%.
First quarter 2021 sales in the segment were down 1.2% including forex and scope, but up +6.1% organically.
Soda Ash sales continued to improve sequentially, though were still 5.9% lower (-3.0% organically) than Q1 2020. The continuing recovery in building sustained good demand in flat glass, while demand for container glass used in the HORECA (hospitality, restaurant and catering) industry remained weak.
Peroxide sales were down by 11.1% (-4.7% organically), compared to Q1 2020, due to lower volumes in the pulp and paper markets in North America and Europe.
Silica sales were again strong +2.6% yoy (+7.9% organically), thanks to rising demand in the automotive segment, market share gain, and interest in our recently launched innovations.
Coatis had exceptional sales in this quarter, up +23.5% (+55% organically) with higher volumes and higher prices as a result of favorable market conditions.
Segment EBITDA was up +0.6% compared to Q1 2020 (+8.7% organically), and increased sequentially by 14.6% versus the fourth quarter 2020, as a result of favorable market conditions in Coatis combined with lower fixed costs in the business, as well as significant contributions from Rusvinyl, driven by strong PVC demand and higher prices. This resulted in a record underlying EBITDA margin of 30.4% in Q1 2021.
Sales in the first quarter of 2021 were up +0.9% (+6.4% organically) due mainly to higher volumes across most major markets.
First quarter sales in Novecare increased organically by 4.9% year on year, and increased organically by 13% excluding oil & gas; growth was driven by higher volumes in coatings, home & personal care, and agro markets. Oil & gas improved sequentially by +11% versus Q4, yet declined 31% year on year.
Special Chem sales increased +2.7% (organically by +8.6%) year on year thanks to the continued recovery in the automotive industry and sustained strong demand in the electronics market.
Technology Solutions sales increased by +9.4% (+14.5% organically) compared to Q1 2020 thanks to Copper mine site re-openings driving higher production levels and greater demand for our extractant solutions. Sequential sales versus Q4 improved by a similar magnitude.
Aroma Performance sales increased sequentially by +11.6% in Q1 versus Q4, due to strong volumes across product lines, but were down organically by 1.6% compared to a very strong Q1 2020. The business is investing to increase capacity in natural vanilla to capture the opportunity in this fast growing market.
First quarter EBITDA in the segment was up +12.4% (+21.1% organically) year and year, and up 26% sequentially, reflecting the continued recovery across most markets. EBITDA margin in the segment was up +2pp to 19.4% in Q1 2021, further reflecting our cost reduction improvements across all businesses.
| Segment review | Underlying | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | % yoy | % organic | ||
| Net sales | 2,373 | 2,474 | -4.1% | +1.9% | ||
| Materials | 689 | 789 | -12.7% | -7.5% | ||
| Specialty Polymers | 511 | 481 | +6.3% | +10.0% | ||
| Composite Materials | 178 | 308 | -42.3% | -36.6% | ||
| Chemicals | 791 | 800 | -1.2% | +6.1% | ||
| Soda Ash & Derivatives | 367 | 390 | -5.9% | -3.0% | ||
| Peroxides | 152 | 172 | -11.1% | -4.7% | ||
| Coatis | 157 | 127 | +23.5% | +55.1% | ||
| Silica | 114 | 111 | +2.6% | +7.9% | ||
| Solutions | 891 | 883 | +0.9% | +6.4% | ||
| Novecare | 416 | 421 | -1.3% | +4.9% | ||
| Special Chem | 211 | 206 | +2.7% | +8.6% | ||
| Technology Solutions | 154 | 140 | +9.4% | +14.5% | ||
| Aroma Performance | 110 | 116 | -5.0% | -1.6% | ||
| Corporate & Business Services | 3 | 1 | +81.4% | +94.1% | ||
| EBITDA | 583 | 569 | +2.5% | +10.3% | ||
| Materials | 206 | 228 | -9.7% | -4.7% | ||
| Chemicals | 240 | 239 | +0.6% | +8.7% | ||
| Solutions | 173 | 154 | +12.4% | +21.1% | ||
| Corporate & Business Services | -36 | -52 | +30.3% | - | ||
| EBITDA margin | 24.6% | 23.0% | +1.6pp | - | ||
| Materials | 29.9% | 28.9% | +1.0pp | - | ||
| Chemicals | 30.4% | 29.8% | +0.5pp | - | ||
| Solutions | 19.4% | 17.4% | +2.0pp | - |
| Q1 key figures | IFRS | Underlying | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | % yoy | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | % yoy |
| Net sales | 2,373 | 2,474 | -4.1% | 2,373 | 2,474 | -4.1% |
| EBITDA | 414 | 485 | -14.7% | 583 | 569 | +2.5% |
| EBITDA margin | 24.6% | 23.0% | +1.6pp | |||
| EBIT | 169 | 233 | -27.5% | 382 | 371 | +2.9% |
| Net financial charges | -30 | -27 | -11.8% | -63 | -68 | +8.4% |
| Income tax expenses | -25 | -47 | +46.2% | -70 | -76 | +7.7% |
| Tax rate | 24% | 26% | -2.7pp | |||
| Profit from discontinued operations | - | 102 | n.m. | 1 | 21 | n.m. |
| (Profit) / loss attributable to non-controlling interests | -9 | -11 | -16.3% | -9 | -11 | -14.8% |
| Profit / (loss) attributable to Solvay shareholders | 104 | 249 | -58.3% | 240 | 236 | +1.8% |
| Basic earnings per share (in €) | 1.01 | 2.41 | -58.3% | 2.33 | 2.28 | +1.9% |
| of which from continuing operations | 1.01 | 1.43 | -29.5% | 2.31 | 2.08 | +11.2% |
| Capex in continuing operations | 100 | 163 | -38.6% | |||
| FCF to Solvay shareholders from continuing operations |
282 | 202 | +39.8% | |||
| FCF to Solvay shareholders | 282 | 197 | +43.0% | |||
| Net financial debt | 4,157 | |||||
| Underlying leverage ratio | 2.1 |
Solvay measures its financial performance using alternative performance metrics, which can be found below. Solvay believes that these measurements are useful for analyzing and explaining changes and trends in its historical results of operations, as they allow performance to be compared on a consistent basis. Definitions of the different metrics presented here are included in the glossary at the end of this financial report.
| Tax rate | Underlying | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | |
| Profit / (loss) for the period before taxes | a | 319 | 302 |
| Earnings from associates & joint ventures | b | 29 | 21 |
| Interests and realized foreign exchange gains (losses) on the RusVinyl joint venture | c | -7 | -8 |
| Income taxes | d | -70 | -76 |
| Tax rate | e = -d/(a-b-c) | 24% | 26% |
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | a | 303 | -58 |
| of which voluntary pension contributions | b | -102 | -460 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | c | 7 | 1,095 |
| of which capital expenditures required by share sale agreement | d | - | -14 |
| Acquisition (-) of subsidiaries | e | -2 | -9 |
| Acquisition (-) of investments - Other | f | -1 | -24 |
| Loans to associates and non-consolidated companies | g | 7 | 7 |
| Sale (+) of subsidiaries and investments | h | 77 | 1,292 |
| Increase/decrease of borrowings related to environmental remediation | i | - | 5 |
| Payment of lease liabilities | j | -22 | -28 |
| FCF | k = a-b+c-d-e-f-g-h+i+j | 308 | 220 |
| FCF from discontinued operations | l | - | -4 |
| FCF from continuing operations | m = k-l | 308 | 225 |
| Net interests paid | n | -7 | -8 |
| Coupons paid on perpetual hybrid bonds | o | -19 | -13 |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | p | - | -2 |
| FCF to Solvay shareholders | q = k+n+o+p | 282 | 197 |
| FCF to Solvay shareholders from discontinued operations | r | - | -4 |
| FCF to Solvay shareholders from continuing operations | s = q-r | 282 | 202 |
| FCF to Solvay shareholders from continuing operations (LTM) | t | 1,043 | 898 |
| Dividends paid to non-controlling interests from continuing operations (LTM) | u | -31 | -39 |
| Underlying EBITDA (LTM) | v | 1,959 | 2,319 |
| FCF conversion ratio (LTM) | w = (t-u)/v | 54.8% | 40.4% |
| Net working capital | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | March 31 |
December 31 |
|
| Inventories | a | 1,400 | 1,241 |
| Trade receivables | b | 1,513 | 1,264 |
| Other current receivables | c | 701 | 519 |
| Trade payables | d | -1,426 | -1,197 |
| Other current liabilities | e | -907 | -720 |
| Net working capital | f = a+b+c+d+e | 1,281 | 1,107 |
| Sales | g | 2,604 | 2,418 |
| Annualized quarterly total sales | h = 4*g | 10,416 | 9,673 |
| Net working capital / sales | i = f / h | 12.3% | 11.4% |
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition (-) of tangible assets | a | -64 | -146 |
| Acquisition (-) of intangible assets | b | -14 | -22 |
| Payment of lease liabilities | c | -22 | -28 |
| Capex | d = a+b+c | -100 | -196 |
| Capex in discontinued operations | e | - | -33 |
| Capex in continuing operations | f = d-e | -100 | -163 |
| Underlying EBITDA | g | 583 | 569 |
| Cash conversion | h = (f+g)/g | 82.8% | 71.3% |
| Net financial debt | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | March 31 |
December 31 |
|
| Non-current financial debt | a | -3,286 | -3,233 |
| Current financial debt | b | -491 | -287 |
| IFRS gross debt | c = a+b | -3,777 | -3,519 |
| Underlying gross debt | d = c+h | -5,577 | -5,319 |
| Other financial instruments | e | 133 | 119 |
| Cash & cash equivalents | f | 1,287 | 1,002 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | g = e+f | 1,420 | 1,121 |
| IFRS net debt | i = c+g | -2,357 | -2,398 |
| Perpetual hybrid bonds | h | -1,800 | -1,800 |
| Underlying net debt | j = i+h | -4,157 | -4,198 |
| Underlying EBITDA (LTM) | k | 1,959 | 1,945 |
| Adjustment for discontinued operations | l | - | - |
| Adjusted underlying EBITDA for leverage calculation | m = k+l | 1,959 | 1,945 |
| Underlying leverage ratio | 2.1 | 2.2 |
Besides IFRS accounts, Solvay also presents underlying Income Statement performance indicators to provide a more consistent and comparable indication of Solvay's economic performance. These figures adjust IFRS figures for the non-cash Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) accounting impacts related to acquisitions, for the coupons of perpetual hybrid bonds classified as equity under IFRS but treated as debt in the underlying statements, and for other elements to generate a measure that avoids distortion and facilitates the appreciation of performance and comparability of results over time.
| Q1 consolidated income statement | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust | Under | Adjust | Under | |||
| (in € million) Sales |
IFRS 2,604 |
ments - |
lying 2,604 |
IFRS 2,687 |
ments - |
lying 2,687 |
| of which revenues from non-core activities | 231 | - | 231 | 213 | - | 213 |
| of which net sales | 2,373 | - | 2,373 | 2,474 | - | 2,474 |
| Cost of goods sold | -1,869 | - | -1,869 | -1,944 | - | -1,943 |
| Gross margin | 735 | - | 735 | 743 | - | 744 |
| Commercial costs | -71 | - | -71 | -87 | - | -87 |
| Administrative costs | -220 | - | -220 | -244 | 6 | -238 |
| Research & development costs | -94 | 1 | -93 | -78 | 1 | -78 |
| Other operating gains & losses | -36 | 38 | 2 | -36 | 44 | 8 |
| Earnings from associates & joint ventures | 29 | -1 | 29 | 4 | 17 | 21 |
| Result from portfolio management & major restructuring | -161 | 161 | - | -58 | 58 | - |
| Result from legacy remediation & major litigations | -14 | 14 | - | -12 | 12 | - |
| EBITDA | 414 | 169 | 583 | 485 | 83 | 569 |
| Depreciation, amortization & impairments | -245 | 43 | -201 | -252 | 54 | -198 |
| EBIT | 169 | 213 | 382 | 233 | 138 | 371 |
| Net cost of borrowings | -26 | - | -26 | -26 | - | -26 |
| Coupons on perpetual hybrid bonds | - | -20 | -20 | - | -24 | -24 |
| Interests and realized foreign exchange gains (losses) on the RusVinyl joint venture |
- | -7 | -7 | - | -8 | -8 |
| Cost of discounting provisions | -4 | -5 | -9 | -1 | -10 | -11 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period before taxes | 139 | 180 | 319 | 206 | 96 | 302 |
| Income taxes | -25 | -45 | -70 | -47 | -29 | -76 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations |
113 | 135 | 248 | 159 | 67 | 226 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period from discontinued operations |
- | 1 | 1 | 102 | -81 | 21 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period | 113 | 136 | 250 | 261 | -13 | 247 |
| attributable to Solvay shareholders | 104 | 136 | 240 | 249 | -13 | 236 |
| attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 | - | 9 | 11 | - | 11 |
| Basic earnings per share (in €) | 1.01 | 1.32 | 2.33 | 2.41 | -0.13 | 2.28 |
| of which from continuing operations | 1.01 | 1.31 | 2.31 | 1.43 | 0.65 | 2.08 |
| Diluted earnings per share (in €) | 1.01 | 1.32 | 2.32 | 2.41 | -0.13 | 2.28 |
| of which from continuing operations | 1.00 | 1.31 | 2.31 | 1.43 | 0.65 | 2.08 |
EBITDA on an IFRS basis totaled €414 million, versus €583 million on an underlying basis. The difference of €169 million is explained by the following adjustments to IFRS results, which are done to improve the comparability of underlying results:
EBIT on an IFRS basis totaled €169 million, versus €382 million on an underlying basis. The difference of €213 million is explained by the above-mentioned €169 million adjustments at the EBITDA level and €43 million of "Depreciation, amortization & impairments". The latter consist of:
Net financial charges on an IFRS basis were €-30 million versus €-62 million on an underlying basis. The €-32 million adjustment made to IFRS net financial charges consists of:
Income taxes on an IFRS basis were €-25 million, versus €-70 million on an underlying basis. The €-45 million adjustment mainly relates to the adjustments of the earnings before taxes described above.
Profit / (loss) attributable to Solvay shareholders was €104 million on an IFRS basis and €240 million on an underlying basis. The delta of €136 million reflects the above-mentioned adjustments to EBIT, net financial charges, income taxes and minor adjustments for discontinued operations. There was no impact from noncontrolling interests.
| Consolidated income statement | IFRS | |
|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 |
| Sales | 2,604 | 2,687 |
| of which revenues from non-core activities | 231 | 213 |
| of which net sales | 2,373 | 2,474 |
| Cost of goods sold | -1,869 | -1,944 |
| Gross margin | 735 | 743 |
| Commercial costs | -71 | -87 |
| Administrative costs | -220 | -244 |
| Research & development costs | -94 | -78 |
| Other operating gains & losses | -36 | -36 |
| Earnings from associates & joint ventures | 29 | 4 |
| Result from portfolio management & major restructuring [2] | -161 | -58 |
| Result from legacy remediation & major litigations | -14 | -12 |
| EBIT | 169 | 233 |
| Cost of borrowings | -28 | -29 |
| Interest on loans & short term deposits | 2 | 3 |
| Cost of discounting provisions | -4 | -1 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period before taxes | 139 | 206 |
| Income taxes | -25 | -47 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations | 113 | 159 |
| attributable to Solvay shareholders | 104 | 148 |
| attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 | 11 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period from discontinued operations | - | 102 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period | 113 | 261 |
| attributable to Solvay shareholders | 104 | 249 |
| attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 | 11 |
| Weighted average of number of outstanding shares, basic | 103,276,287 | 103,313,847 |
| Weighted average of number of outstanding shares, diluted | 103,454,065 | 103,418,888 |
| Basic earnings per share (in €) | 1.01 | 2.41 |
| of which from continuing operations | 1.01 | 1.43 |
| Diluted earnings per share (in €) | 1.01 | 2.41 |
| of which from continuing operations | 1.00 | 1.43 |
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit / (loss) for the period | 113 | 261 |
| Gains and losses on hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge | -11 | -48 |
| Currency translation differences from subsidiaries & joint operations | 244 | -2 |
| Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method that will be reclassified to profit or loss |
11 | -72 |
| Recyclable components | 244 | -122 |
| Gains and losses on equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 3 | 1 |
| Remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability [3] | 273 | 35 |
| Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using equity method that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
- | 1 |
| Non-recyclable components | 276 | 37 |
| Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income | -46 | -6 |
| Other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects | 474 | -90 |
| Total comprehensive income | 588 | 170 |
| attributed to Solvay share | 574 | 157 |
| attributed to non-controlling interests | 13 | 13 |
[1] Unaudited.
[2] Q1 2021 Result from portfolio management & major restructuring mainly relates to the €150 million provision in relation with the new
strategic transformation announced in February, resulting in a net reduction of approximately 500 roles.
[3] The remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability of €273 million in Q1 2021 was mainly due to increase of discount rates applicable to post-employment provisions in the Euro-zone, the UK and US, partly offset by the return of plan assets.
| Consolidated statement of cash flows | IFRS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | |
| Profit / (loss) for the period | 113 | 261 | |
| Adjustments to profit / (loss) for the period | 444 | 324 | |
| Depreciation, amortization & impairments (-) | 245 | 252 | |
| Earnings from associates & joint ventures (-) | -29 | -4 | |
| Additions & reversals on provisions (-) | 185 | 114 | |
| Other non-operating and non-cash items [1] | -11 | -312 | |
| Net financial charges (-) | 29 | 27 | |
| Income tax expenses (-) | 25 | 246 | |
| Changes in working capital | -67 | -137 | |
| Uses of provisions | -63 | -75 | |
| Voluntary pension contributions | -102 | -460 | |
| Dividends received from associates & joint ventures | 18 | 3 | |
| Income taxes paid (excluding income taxes paid on sale of investments) | -40 | 26 | |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 303 | -58 | |
| Acquisition (-) of subsidiaries | -2 | -9 | |
| Acquisition (-) of investments - Other | -1 | -24 | |
| Loans to associates and non-consolidated companies | 7 | 7 | |
| Sale (+) of subsidiaries and investments | 77 | 1,292 | |
| Acquisition (-) of tangible and intangible assets (capex) | -78 | -168 | |
| of which tangible assets | -64 | -146 | |
| of which capital expenditures required by share sale agreement | - | -14 | |
| of which intangible assets | -14 | -22 | |
| Sale (+) of tangible & intangible assets | 10 | 5 | |
| Changes in non-current financial assets | -7 | -8 | |
| Cash flow from investing activities | 7 | 1,095 | |
| Sale (acquisition) of treasury shares | 37 | -26 | |
| Increase in borrowings | 161 | 249 | |
| Repayment of borrowings [2] | -3 | -845 | |
| Changes in other current financial assets | -10 | -22 | |
| Payment of lease liabilities | -22 | -28 | |
| Net interests paid | -7 | -8 | |
| Coupons paid on perpetual hybrid bonds | -19 | -13 | |
| Dividends paid | -155 | -157 | |
| of which to Solvay shareholders | -155 | -155 | |
| of which to non-controlling interests | - | -2 | |
| Other [3] | -11 | -62 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -30 | -913 | |
| of which increase/decrease of borrowings related to environmental remediation | - | 5 | |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 280 | 124 | |
| Currency translation differences | -2 | -44 | |
| Opening cash balance [4] | 1,009 | 809 | |
| Closing cash balance | 1,287 | 889 |
[1] Other non-operating and non-cash items of €-312 million in Q1 2020 mainly relates to Polyamide capital gain before taxes and provisions
[2] Repayment of borrowings of €-845 million in Q1 2020 mainly relates to the reimbursement of commercial paper after the cash proceeds on Polyamide disposal. [3] Other cash flow from financing activities of €-11 million mainly includes the payment for the purchase of the EBRD shares in the Solvay holding of the Rusvinyl Joint Venture, following the exercise of the Solvay call option (€-52m) and cash inflows related to margin calls (€+36m).
[4] of which €7 million cash in assets held for sale at the end of 2020.
| Statement of cash flow from discontinued operations | IFRS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | ||
| Cash flow from operating activities | 15 | |||
| Cash flow from investing activities | -33 | |||
| Cash flow from financing activities | - | 5 | ||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | -13 |
The cash flow from investing activities of discontinued operations excludes the proceeds received on the divestment of Polyamide. The sale of Polyamide was completed on January 31, 2020.
| Consolidated statement of financial position | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | March 31 |
December 31 |
| Intangible assets | 2,154 | 2,141 |
| Goodwill | 3,328 | 3,265 |
| Tangible assets | 4,752 | 4,717 |
| Right-of-use assets | 408 | 405 |
| Equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income | 70 | 66 |
| Investments in associates & joint ventures | 520 | 495 |
| Other investments | 42 | 42 |
| Deferred tax assets | 735 | 788 |
| Loans & other assets | 402 | 390 |
| Non-current assets | 12,411 | 12,308 |
| Inventories | 1,400 | 1,241 |
| Trade receivables | 1,513 | 1,264 |
| Income tax receivables | 108 | 109 |
| Dividends receivable | 3 | - |
| Other financial instruments | 133 | 119 |
| Other receivables | 701 | 519 |
| Cash & cash equivalents | 1,287 | 1,002 |
| Assets held for sale | 67 | 229 |
| Current assets | 5,212 | 4,484 |
| Total assets | 17,624 | 16,792 |
| Share capital | 1,588 | 1,588 |
| Issue premiums | 1,170 | 1,170 |
| Other reserves | 5,033 | 4,439 |
| Non-controlling interests | 118 | 106 |
| Total equity | 7,909 | 7,304 |
| Provisions for employee benefits | 1,854 | 2,209 |
| Other provisions | 700 | 689 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 493 | 487 |
| Financial debt | 3,286 | 3,233 |
| Other liabilities | 100 | 95 |
| Non-current liabilities | 6,433 | 6,713 |
| Other provisions | 324 | 190 |
| Financial debt [1] | 491 | 287 |
| Trade payables | 1,426 | 1,197 |
| Income tax payables | 110 | 113 |
| Dividends payable | 5 | 159 |
| Other liabilities | 907 | 720 |
| Liabilities associated with assets held for sale | 17 | 110 |
| Current liabilities | 3,281 | 2,775 |
| Total equity & liabilities | 17,624 | 16,792 |
[1] The current financial debt (€491 million at the end of March 2021) is composed of short term financing (which include €96 million of short term portion of leases).
| Consolidated statement of changes in equity Revaluation reserve (fair value) |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in € million) | Share capital |
Share premiums |
Treasury shares |
Perpetual hybrid bonds |
Retained earnings |
Currency translation differences |
Equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income |
Cash flow hedges |
Defined benefit pension plans |
Total other reserves |
Non controlling interests |
Total equity |
| Balance on December 31, 2019 | 1,588 | 1,170 | -274 | 1,789 | 6,462 | -454 | 10 | -20 | -756 | 6,757 | 110 | 9,625 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period | - | - | - | - | 249 | - | - | - | - | 249 | 11 | 261 |
| Items of other comprehensive income |
- | - | - | - | - | -76 | 1 | -33 | 15 | -93 | 2 | -90 |
| Comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | 249 | -76 | 1 | -33 | 15 | 157 | 13 | 170 |
| Cost of stock options | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 1 |
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -2 | -2 |
| Coupons of perpetual hybrid bonds | - | - | - | - | -13 | - | - | - | - | -13 | - | -13 |
| Sale (acquisition) of treasury shares | - | - | -26 | - | - | - | - | - | - | -26 | - | -26 |
| Other | - | - | - | - | -6 | - | - | - | 5 | -1 | - | -1 |
| Balance on March 31, 2020 | 1,588 | 1,170 | -300 | 1,789 | 6,694 | -530 | 11 | -53 | -736 | 6,875 | 122 | 9,754 |
| Balance on December 31, 2020 | 1,588 | 1,170 | -286 | 1,786 | 4,985 | -1,153 | 12 | 14 | -919 | 4,439 | 106 | 7,304 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period | - | - | - | - | 104 | - | - | - | - | 104 | 9 | 113 |
| Items of other comprehensive income |
- | - | - | - | - | 251 | 2 | -9 | 226 | 470 | 4 | 474 |
| Comprehensive income | - | - | - | - | 104 | 251 | 2 | -9 | 226 | 574 | 13 | 588 |
| Cost of stock options | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 2 |
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -1 | -2 |
| Coupons of perpetual hybrid bonds | - | - | - | - | -19 | - | - | - | - | -19 | - | -19 |
| Sale (acquisition) of treasury shares | - | - | 37 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 37 | - | 37 |
| Other | - | - | - | - | -10 | - | - | - | 10 | - | - | - |
| Balance on March 31, 2021 | 1,588 | 1,170 | -249 | 1,786 | 5,062 | -902 | 14 | 5 | -683 | 5,033 | 118 | 7,909 |
Q1 2021 Equity increased by € 251 million after currency translation differences mainly due to the USD revaluation against EUR in the quarter.
Solvay is a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law and quoted on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris. These condensed consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on May 4, 2021.
On January 18, 2021 Solvay sent a Call option Notice to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to purchase the EBRD shares in the Solvay holding of the Rusvinyl Joint Venture. The option price of €52 million was booked as an Other current liability at the end of 2020 and has been paid in Q1 2021.
An additional voluntary contribution of €102 million was made in January 2021 to the Belgian pension plans.
In January, Solvay launched a new chapter of its strategic transformation aimed to further align its structure to its G.R.O.W. strategy. This builds on previous plans announced in 2020, and represents a profound simplification of all support functions to serve the business more effectively. The plan will lead to an additional net reduction of approximately 500 roles by the end of 2022 and incremental cost savings of €75 million. As a consequence of the new restructuring plan, a non-cash restructuring provision of around €150 million was recognized in Q1 2021.
In February, Solvay reached an agreement to purchase a seed coating technology to bolt-on to its existing agro products within the Novecare business. This is a natural extension to Solvay's own AgRHO® family of sustainable seed boosting solutions and supports the drive toward more bio-based, sustainable technologies. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2021.
During Q1, 2021, the assets and liabilities related to the following businesses previously classified as "held for sale" were divested:
At the end of March 2021, the commodity amphoterics surfactants activities in Novecare, are the only business still classified as held for sale.
The total net impact of COVID-19 on Q1 2021 EBITDA was not considered to be material to the Group as the short-term mitigation actions related to labor costs (including furloughs) and indirect spend were substantially completed at December 31, 2020. The Group will continue to monitor any future evolution of the sanitary crisis.
Solvay prepares its condensed consolidated interim financial statements on a quarterly basis, in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" using the same accounting policies as those adopted for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. They do not include all the information required for the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. The consolidated financial statements for 2020 were published in April 2021. The critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty included in the 2020 annual report remain applicable. Relevant updates on specific topics are included in these notes and should be read together with the 2020 annual report.
During Q1, 2021, IBOR Reform Phase 2 became effective for the Group and its adoption did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements during the period. Going forward the Group's management will continue to monitor the market evolution resulting from the decisions taken by each of the relevant authorities of such benchmarks, however, based on the current understanding IBOR Reform Phase 2 is not expected to have more than an insignificant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.
Solvay is organized in the following operating segments:
| (in € million) | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 2,373 | 2,474 |
| Materials | 689 | 789 |
| Chemicals | 791 | 800 |
| Solutions | 891 | 883 |
| Corporate & Business Services | 3 | 1 |
| Underlying EBITDA | 583 | 569 |
| Materials | 206 | 228 |
| Chemicals | 240 | 239 |
| Solutions | 173 | 154 |
| Corporate & Business Services | -36 | -52 |
| Underlying depreciation, amortization & impairments | -201 | -198 |
| Underlying EBIT | 382 | 371 |
| Non-cash accounting impact from amortization & depreciation of purchase price allocation (PPA) from acquisitions |
-38 | -51 |
| Net financial charges and remeasurements of equity book value of the RusVinyl joint venture | 1 | -17 |
| Result from portfolio management & major restructuring | -161 | -58 |
| Result from legacy remediation & major litigations | -14 | -12 |
| EBIT | 169 | 233 |
| Net financial charges | -30 | -27 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period before taxes | 139 | 206 |
| Income taxes | -25 | -47 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period from continuing operations | 113 | 159 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period from discontinued operations | - | 102 |
| Profit / (loss) for the period | 113 | 261 |
| attributable to non-controlling interests | 9 | 11 |
| attributable to Solvay shareholders | 104 | 249 |
Reconciliation of segment, underlying and IFRS data
The non-cash PPA impacts can be found in the reconciliation table on page 11.
Compared to December 31, 2020, there are no changes in valuation techniques.
For all financial instruments not measured at fair value in Solvay's consolidated statement of financial position, the fair value of those financial instruments as of March 31, 2021, is not significantly different from the ones published in Note F35 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.
For financial instruments measured at fair value in Solvay's consolidated statement of financial position, the fair value of those instruments as of March 31, 2021, is not significantly different from the ones as published in the Note F35 of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.
There were no material events after the reporting period.
Ilham Kadri, Chief Executive Officer, and Karim Hajjar, Chief Financial Officer, of the Solvay Group, declare that to the best of their knowledge:
Adjustments: Each of these adjustments made to the IFRS results is considered to be significant in nature and/or value. Excluding these items from the profit metrics provides readers with relevant additional information on the Group's underlying performance over time because it is consistent with how the business' performance is reported to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. These adjustments consist of:
Basic earnings per share: Net income (Solvay's share) divided by the weighted average number of shares, after deducting own shares purchased to cover stock option programs.
Capital expenditure (capex): Cash paid for the acquisition of tangible and intangible assets presented in cash flows from investing activities, and cash paid on the lease liabilities (excluding interests paid), presented in cash flows from financing activities. This indicator is used to manage capital employed in the Group.
Cash conversion: Is a ratio used to measure the conversion of EBITDA into cash. It is defined as (Underlying EBITDA + Capex from continuing operations) / Underlying EBITDA.
CFROI: Cash Flow Return On Investment measures the cash returns of Solvay's business activities. Movements in CFROI levels are relevant indicators for showing whether economic value is being added, though it is accepted that this measure cannot be benchmarked or compared with industry peers. The definition uses a reasonable estimate (management estimate) of the replacement cost of assets and avoids accounting distortions, e.g. for impairments. It is calculated as the ratio between recurring cash flow and invested capital, where:
Diluted earnings per share: Net income (Solvay's share) divided by the weighted average number of shares adjusted for the effects of dilution.
Discontinued operations: Component of the Group which the Group has disposed of or which is classified as held for sale, and:
EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes. Performance indicator that is a measure of the Group's operating profitability irrespective of the funding's structure.
EBITDA: Earnings before interest and taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Group has included EBITDA as an alternative performance indicator because management believes that the measure provides useful information to assess the Group's operating profitability as well as the Group's ability to generate operating cash flows.
Extra-financial indicators: Indicators used that measure the sustainability performance of the company in complement to financial indicators. Solvay has selected 10 indicators that are included in the ONE Planet initiative. For more information, we refer to the last available annual report available on www.solvay.com
Free cash flow: Cash flows from operating activities (excluding cash flows linked to acquisitions or disposals of subsidiaries and cash outflows of Voluntary Pension Contributions, as they are deleveraging in nature as a reimbursement of debt), cash flows from investing activities (excluding cash flows from or related to acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries, cash flows related to internal management of portfolio (one-off external costs of internal carve-out, related taxes...) and other investments, and excluding loans to associates and nonconsolidated investments, and recognition of factored receivables), payment of lease liabilities, and increase/decrease of borrowings related to environmental remediation. Prior to the adoption of IFRS 16, operating lease payments were included within free cash flow. Following the application of IFRS 16, because leases are generally considered to be operating in nature, free cash flow incorporates the payment of the lease liability (excluding the interest expense). Excluding this item in the free cash flow would result in a significant improvement of free cash flow compared to prior periods, whereas the operations themselves have not been affected by the implementation of IFRS 16. It is a measure of cash generation, working capital efficiency and capital discipline of the Group.
Free cash flow to Solvay shareholders: Free cash flow after payment of net interests, coupons of perpetual hybrid bonds and dividends to non-controlling interests. This represents the cash flow available to Solvay shareholders, to pay their dividend and/or to reduce the net financial debt.
Free cash flow conversion: Calculated as the ratio between the free cash flow to Solvay shareholders of the last rolling 12 months (before netting of dividends paid to non-controlling interest) and underlying EBITDA of the last rolling 12 months.
GBU: Global business unit.
HPPO: Hydrogen peroxide propylene oxide, new technology to produce propylene oxide using hydrogen peroxide.
IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards.
LTM: Last twelve months
Leverage ratio: Net debt / underlying EBITDA of last 12 months. Underlying leverage ratio = underlying net debt / underlying EBITDA of last 12 months.
Mandatory contributions to employee benefits plans: For funded plans, contributions to plan assets corresponding to amounts required to be paid during the respective period, in accordance with agreements with trustees or regulation, as well as, for unfunded plans, benefits paid to beneficiaries.
Net cost of borrowings: cost of borrowings netted with interest on loans and short-term deposits, as well as other gains (losses) on net indebtedness.
Net financial debt: Non-current financial debt + current financial debt – cash & cash equivalents – other financial instruments. Underlying net debt reclassifies as debt 100% of the hybrid perpetual bonds, considered as equity under IFRS. It is a key measure of the strength of the Group's financial position and is widely used by credit rating agencies.
Net financial charges: Net cost of borrowings, and costs of discounting provisions (namely, related to postemployment benefits and Health Safety and Environmental liabilities).
Net pricing: The difference between the change in sales prices versus the change in variable costs.
Net sales: Sales of goods and value added services corresponding to Solvay's know-how and core business. Net sales exclude Revenue from non-core activities.
Net working capital: Includes inventories, trade receivables and other current receivables, netted with trade payables and other current liabilities.
OCI: Other Comprehensive Income.
Operational deleveraging: Reduction of liabilities (net debt or provisions) through operational performance only, i.e. excluding impacts from acquisitions and divestitures, as well as remeasurement impacts (changes of foreign exchange, inflation, mortality and discount rates).
Organic growth: Growth of Net sales or underlying EBITDA excluding scope changes and forex conversion effects. The calculation is made by rebasing the prior period at the business scope and forex conversion rate of the current period.
PA: Polyamide, polymer type.
pp: Unit of percentage points, used to express the evolution of ratios.
PPA: Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) accounting impacts related to acquisitions, primarily for Rhodia and Cytec.
Pricing power: The ability to create positive net pricing.
PSU: Performance Share Unit.
PVC: Polyvinyl chloride, polymer type.
Research & innovation: Research & development costs recognized in the income statement and as capital expenditure before deduction of related subsidies, royalties and depreciation and amortization expense. It measures the total cash effort in research & innovation, regardless of whether the costs were expensed or capitalized.
Research & innovation intensity: Ratio of Research & innovation / net sales
Revenue from non-core activities: Revenues primarily comprising commodity and utility trading transactions and other revenue, considered to not correspond to Solvay's know-how and core business.
ROCE: Return on Capital Employed, calculated as the ratio between underlying EBIT (before adjustment for the amortization of PPA) and capital employed. Capital employed consists of net working capital, tangible and intangible assets, goodwill, rights-of-use assets, investments in associates & joint ventures and other investments, and is taken as the average of the situation at the end of the last 4 quarters.
SOP: Stock Option Plan.
SPM: The Sustainable Portfolio Management tool is integrated into the Solvay Way framework (linked to five practices). It serves as a strategic tool for developing information on our portfolio and analyzing the impacts of sustainability megatrends on our businesses.
Underlying: Underlying results are deemed to provide a more comparable indication of Solvay's fundamental performance over the reference periods. They are defined as the IFRS figures adjusted for the "Adjustments" as defined above. They provide readers with additional information on the Group's underlying performance over time as well as the financial position and they are consistent with how the business' performance and financial position are reported to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
Underlying Tax rate: Income taxes / (Result before taxes – Earnings from associates & joint ventures – interests & realized foreign exchange results on RusVinyl joint venture) – all determined on an Underlying basis. The adjustment of the denominator regarding associates and joint ventures is made as these contributions are already net of income taxes. This provides an indication of the tax rate across the Group.
Voluntary pension contributions: Contributions to plan assets in excess of Mandatory Contributions to employee benefits plans. These payments are discretionary and are driven by the objective of value creation. These voluntary contributions are excluded from free cash flow as they are deleveraging in nature as a reimbursement of debt.
WACC: Weighted Average Cost of Capital
yoy: Year on year comparison.
Geoffroy d'Oultremont +32 2 264 29 97 Brian Carroll
+32 2 264 36 87
[email protected] Peter Boelaert
Jodi Allen Nathalie Van Ypersele +1 609 860 4608 +32 478 20 10 62 [email protected]
+32 2 264 15 30 Bisser Alexandrov [email protected]
+32 479 30 91 59 [email protected]
This press release may contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements describe expectations, plans, strategies, goals, future events or intentions. The achievement of forward-looking statements contained in this press release is subject to risks and uncertainties relating to a number of factors, including general economic factors, interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changing market conditions, product competition, the nature of product development, impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, products withdrawals, regulatory approval processes, all-in scenario of R&I projects and other unusual items. Consequently, actual results or future events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should our assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated. Solvay undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. With more than 23,000 employees in 64 countries, Solvay bonds people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. The Group seeks to create sustainable shared value for all, notably through its Solvay One Planet plan crafted around three pillars: protecting the climate, preserving resources and fostering better life. The Group's innovative solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices, health care applications, water and air purification systems. Founded in 1863, Solvay today ranks among the world's top three companies for the vast majority of its activities and delivered net sales of €9.0 billion in 2020. Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels (SOLB) and Paris and in the United States, where its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a Level I ADR program. Learn more at www.solvay.com.
Results' documentation G.R.O.W. Strategy Share information Credit information ESG information Annual report Webcasts, podcasts and presentations







Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.