Sales increased by 7.3% year-on-year to 2.172 billion euros
EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was 7.9% to 383 million euros, although the benchmark was high (the first quarter of 2017 was 355 million euros) and the euro was strong
EBITDA margin in the first quarter was 17.6%, reaching the highest level in history (16.5% in the first quarter of 2017), confirming that the Group still maintains a good ability to adapt to rising raw material costs.
Adjusted net income increased significantly by 33% to 195 million euros, equivalent to 2.57 euros per share
Net debt of €1.227 billion, taking into account the acquisition of XL Brands and still reflecting near-balance free cash flow under the seasonal influence of regular working capital
The Arkema Board of Directors met on May 2, 2018 to review the Group's consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2018. At the end of the meeting, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thierry LeHénaff stated: 'Despite Arkema’s 2017 The first quarter had a relatively high comparative base, and the euro appreciated a lot. However, Arkema's performance this year was very strong. Adjusted net income increased by 33% year-on-year. Our innovative achievements in advanced materials, last year's French special molecular sieves and The gains from the increase in China's PVDF production capacity, and the integration of XL Brands' adhesives business, and the good performance of the intermediate chemical business, all supported the company in achieving a series of good results in the first quarter of 2018. This also reflected the Low tax rates and debt costs. This opening performance gives us full confidence that the company is capable of achieving the previously announced 2018 annual target.