Clariant has announced full-year 2011 sales of CHF7.370bn (€6.110bn), compared to CHF7.120bn (€5.904bn) yr-on-yr. Sales grew 16% in local currencies and 4% in Swiss francs. The lower growth in Swiss francs was a result of the significant appreciation of the Swiss franc against most major currencies on a yr-on-yr basis.
Clariant reported 21% sales growth in local currencies in the fourth quarter. In Swiss francs, sales were 13% higher, at CHF1.918bn (€1.59bn) (CHF1.700bn (€1.409bn) yr-on-yr). Sales prices increased 9% yr-on-yr, while volumes were 12% lower and raw material costs rose 10%.
Looking forward, results for the first half-year are expected to be lower compared to the high base of the first half of 2011, with an improvement in the second half-year 2012.
