Arkema: Full-Year 2022 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Arkema reported 2022 sales of €11.5 billion, a 21.3% increase year-on-year, driven by organic growth of 13.6% amid significant raw material inflation. EBITDA reached €2.11 billion, up 22.2%, with an EBITDA margin of 18.3%. Fourth-quarter results showed a decline in EBITDA to €291 million, attributed to destocking and reduced demand, particularly in Europe and China. The company plans to maintain an EBITDA of €1.5 to €1.6 billion in 2023. They propose a dividend of €3.40 per share, up from €3.00. Arkema emphasizes its commitment to sustainability with a 16% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and aims for 65% of sales to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Positive

• Sales growth of 21.3% reaching €11.5 billion.
• EBITDA at a historic high of €2.11 billion, up 22.2%.
• Adjusted net income increased by 30.2% to €1.17 billion (€15.75 per share).
• Recurring cash flow improved to €933 million, reflecting strong operational performance.
• Dividend increased by 13.3% to €3.40 per share.
• 16% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

Negative

• Q4 EBITDA declined to €291 million, down 30.2% year-on-year.
• Significant destocking observed in Europe affecting sales volumes.
• Total volumes down 15.4% in Q4 due to weak demand.

• With sales of €11.5 billion, strong earnings growth in the year and excellent cash generation including the slowdown in demand in Q4
• Acceleration of opportunities in innovative materials for sustainable development
• Strengthening of the climate plan and further progress made in the CSR area

COLOMBES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Arkema (Paris:AKE):

• Group sales of €11.5 billion, up by 21.3% compared with 2021:
  • Organic sales growth of 13.6%, reflecting price increases in the face of significant raw materials and energy cost inflation and the improved product mix, as well as the slowdown in demand and significant destocking observed in the fourth quarter
  • Acceleration in opportunities for innovative, high value-added solutions, particularly in low-carbon mobility, lightweighting, the circular economy and 3D printing
• EBITDA at a historic high of €2,110 million, up by a strong 22.2% year-on-year, and EBITDA margin at 18.3% (18.1% in 2021):
  • Specialty Materials’ EBITDA up in each of the segments, to €1,900 million (€1,512 million in 2021) and Intermediates’ EBITDA stable at €306 million (€307 million in 2021)
  • Q4’22 EBITDA at €291 million (€417 million in Q4’21), in line with the Group’s guidance and including the strong destocking at year-end
• Adjusted net income up by 30.2% to €1,167 million, representing €15.75 per share (€11.88 in 2021)
• Very high recurring cash flow at €933 million (€756 million in 2021), reflecting notably strict management of working capital
• Proposed dividend of €3.40 per share (€3.0 in 2021), in line with the policy of increasing progressively the dividend
• Continued progress in CSR performance, with in particular a 16% decrease in Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at constant perimeter and an increase in the share of women in senior management positions to 26% in 2022 (24% in 2021)
• Outlook for 2023: in a context at the beginning of the year marked by a lack of visibility and ongoing weak demand, and in the expectation of a progressive improvement in the economic environment from the spring, the Group aims to achieve in 2023 an EBITDA of around €1.5 billion to €1.6 billion and maintain a high EBITDA to cash conversion rate of over 40%.

Following Arkema’s Board of Directors’ meeting, held on 22 February 2023 to approve the Group’s consolidated financial statements for 2022, Chairman and CEO Thierry Le Hénaff said:

“Arkema achieved an excellent year in 2022 in many respects, first of all in terms of its financial performance, with EBITDA of over €2 billion, reflecting the efforts of all our employees, whom I would like to thank for their commitment in a demanding environment. We also finalized a high-quality acquisition, with Ashland’s adhesives, and entered the start-up phase at our production site in Singapore for polyamide 11 and its monomer, thus strengthening the Group’s profile, resolutely focused on innovative materials. It is also a great source of pride for the teams to be recognized by rating agencies as one of the leaders in our industry in terms of CSR.

2023 has begun in an economic context of weak demand, which requires us to be strict in managing our costs and working capital, while preparing for an improvement of the environment during the course of the second quarter. We have full confidence in the long-term prospects offered by our new developments focused on decarbonization and sustainable development, and we will continue to invest in these opportunities. We will leverage our cutting-edge innovation to continue to support our customers in their quest for sustainable performance.”

KEY FIGURES FOR 2022

in millions of euros		2022		2021 (1)		Change
Sales		11,550		9,519		+21.3%
EBITDA		2,110		1,727		+22.2%
Specialty Materials		1,900		1,512		+25.7%
Intermediates		306		307		-0.3%
Corporate		-96		-92
EBITDA margin		18.3%		18.1%
Specialty Materials		18.1%		18.1%
Intermediates		30.0%		26.5%
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		1,560		1,184		+31.8%
REBIT margin		13.5%		12.4%
Adjusted net income		1,167		896		+30.2%
Adjusted net income per share (in €)		15.75		11.88		+32.6%
Recurring cash flow		933		756		+23.4%
Free cash flow		784		479		+63.7%
Net debt including hybrid bonds		2,366		1,177

2022 BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Group sales came in at €11,550 million in 2022, up by 21.3% year-on-year. At constant scope and currency, organic growth was 13.6%, driven by a positive price effect of 21.4%, reflecting price increase initiatives in the face of high raw materials and energy cost inflation and, in the first half of the year, favorable market conditions in upstream acrylics and the significant tightness observed in some product lines. The Group also benefited from continued product mix improvement toward higher value-added solutions, driven by the accelerated pace of innovation in sustainable megatrends, for example in batteries, lightweighting, bio-based and recycled solutions and 3D printing. Volumes nevertheless declined by 7.8%, impacted mainly by the clear slowdown and significant destocking in Europe in the second half, particularly in the construction market. Although still slightly down, volumes held up better in North America, supported by resilient business activity in most end markets, but impacted by some destocking in the fourth quarter. In China, demand remained subdued for most of the year, affected successively by lockdowns and the resurgence of Covid. The 1.2% positive scope effect included the positive contribution of acquisitions in Specialty Materials, particularly Ashland’s performance adhesives since 28 February 2022, partly offset by divestments, notably of PMMA finalized on 3 May 2021. The currency effect was a positive 6.5%, reflecting the appreciation of the US dollar and the Chinese yuan against the euro, particularly over the first nine months of the year.

The share of Specialty Materials continued to increase and represented 91% of Group sales in 2022 (88% in 2021 ⁽¹⁾). Lastly, the evolution in the geographic breakdown of sales reflects the strength of the Group’s positioning in North America and the resilience of this region, which accounted for 35% of Group sales in 2022 versus 31% in 2021. The change in Europe’s share in sales reflects the economic slowdown observed in this region (33% of sales in 2022 versus 36% in 2021), while Asia and the rest of the world remained broadly stable at 32% of sales versus 33% in 2021.

The Group’s EBITDA reached a historical high of €2,110 million, up by 22.2% year-on-year. Recording growth across all three segments, Specialty Materials’ EBITDA was up by a strong 25.7% to €1,900 million, driven notably by Advanced Materials, with the Adhesive Solutions and Coating Solutions segments being more particularly impacted by the slowdown and destocking observed in European construction. Moreover, Specialty Materials benefited from particularly favorable market conditions in some product lines, notably in upstream acrylics and PVDF, for which the positive impact on 2022 EBITDA is estimated at around €400 million. Intermediates’ EBITDA was stable at €306 million (€307 million in 2021) despite a negative scope effect related to the divestment of PMMA, reflecting good market conditions in refrigerant gases in the United States and including the clear deterioration in market conditions in acrylics in Asia during the second half of the year. The Group also benefited from its balanced geographic footprint and in particular its strong positioning in North America.

In this context, the Group’s EBITDA margin reached the high level of 18.3%, a slight 20 bp increase compared with the prior year, reflecting in particular Arkema’s ability to pass on higher raw materials and energy costs in its selling prices, as well as the continued evolution of the product mix toward higher value-added solutions.

Recurring depreciation and amortization amounted to €550 million, broadly stable year-on-year (€543 million in 2021). Consequently, recurring operating income (REBIT) grew by 31.8% year-on-year to €1,560 million, and the REBIT margin improved by 110 bps to 13.5%.

The financial result represented a net expense of €61 million (€56 million in 2021), a slight increase of €5 million compared with 2021, reflecting the increased portion of the Group’s debt converted into US dollars and an unfavorable evolution of the interest rate differential, partly offset by some lower provisions for employee benefits, due to actuarial gains.

Excluding exceptional items, the tax rate amounted to 21% of recurring operating income in 2022. In 2023, this tax rate is expected to come to around 21% of recurring operating income.

Adjusted net income thus amounted to €1,167 million, up by 30.2% year-on-year, representing €15.75 per share (€11.88 per share in 2021).

CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Recurring cash flow grew by a strong 23.4% year-on-year to €933 million, in line with the Group’s operating performance and reflecting the strict management of working capital in an environment of high raw materials cost inflation and a marked slowdown in business activity at the end of the year, especially in Europe. Thus, working capital represented 12.6% of the Group’s annual sales at 31 December 2022 (12.7% at 31 December 2021), below its normative level of around 14%. Recurring capital expenditure amounted to €584 million (€506 million in 2021), representing 5.1% of Group sales in 2022. Calculated based on recurring cash flow, the EBITDA to cash conversion rate was 44.2%, in line with the Group’s long-term objective of 40%.

Free cash flow reached the high level of €784 million for the year (€479 million in 2021), and included exceptional capital expenditure of €123 million (€252 million in 2021), corresponding to the bio-based polyamides project in Asia and the hydrofluoric acid supply project with Nutrien in the United States, both of which are nearing completion. Thus, for full-year 2022, recurring and exceptional capital expenditure amounted to €707 million. The Group estimates that in 2023, given decarbonization investments and ongoing organic growth projects, recurring capital expenditure should come to around 6% of sales, and the amount needed to finalize exceptional capital expenditure should amount to around €30 million.

Free cash flow also included a non-recurring cash outflow of €26 million in 2022, stable year-on-year, mainly corresponding to restructuring costs and start-up costs for the Singapore platform.

Net cash flow from portfolio management operations amounted to a net outflow of €1,629 million in 2022 and mainly included the acquisition of Ashland’s performance adhesives, as well as the bolt-on acquisitions of Permoseal in South Africa and Polimeros Especiales in Mexico. In 2021, this figure was a net inflow of €909 million and included in particular proceeds from the divestment of PMMA.

Including also the payment of the 2021 dividend of €3.0 per share for a total amount of €222 million, the cost of share buybacks carried out by the Group for €22 million and the interest paid on hybrid bonds of €16 million, net debt including hybrid bonds remained well under control at €2,366 million, representing 1.1x last-twelve-months EBITDA.

The Board of Directors has decided that, at the annual general meeting of 11 May 2023, it will recommend a dividend payment of €3.40 per share in respect of 2022, a 13.3% increase versus the prior year, in line with the policy of increasing progressively the dividend and thus attesting to its confidence in the Group’s prospects. The dividend will be paid entirely in cash as from 17 May 2023, with an ex-dividend date on 15 May 2023.

CONTINUATION OF THE GROUP’S SUSTAINABLE GROWTH STRATEGY

Committed to a more sustainable world with its innovative materials, responsible management of its operations and strong societal commitment, the Group is recognized by rating agencies as one of the best performers in the chemical industry in terms of social responsibility. Thus, Arkema improved its score which reached 83 out of 100 in Standard & Poor’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and once again ranked third in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World and second in the DJSI Europe in the chemicals sector. The Group was also included in the CAC40^® ESG index for the second year running and saw its Moody’s ESG Solutions score increase once again.

These results are a testimony to Arkema’s commitments and continuous progress over many years. Notable developments in 2022 included:

• Reinforced commitment to decarbonization, with a new climate plan aligned with a 1.5°C Science Based Target trajectory across the entire value chain. The Group has thus set itself the target of reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46% for Scopes 1 and 2 as well as Scope 3 by 2030 relative to 2019. This plan is supported by investments in decarbonization estimated at €400 million by 2030. During 2022, the Group’s GHG emissions at constant perimeter fell significantly relative to 2021, by 16% for Scopes 1 and 2 and by 15% for Scope 3.
• Expansion of its sustainable offering, with 53% of sales significantly contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in 2022 ⁽²⁾ (versus 51% in 2021) and the ambition to increase this share to 65% by 2030 (ImpACT+ target).
• Continued progress in the area of safety, with a total recordable injury rate (TRIR) per million hours worked of 0.9 (1.0 in 2021) and a process safety event rate (PSER) per million hours worked of 2.8 (3.1 in 2021).
• Stepped up commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, allowing in particular to enhance well-being within the company. The Group thus joined the Women Empowerment Principles program alongside UN Women and continued to increase the share of women in senior management and executive positions to 26% in 2022 (versus 24% in 2021), with a target of 30% by 2030. Arkema was also certified as a Top Employer for the second year running in France, the United States, China and Brazil, countries that account for two-thirds of the Group’s employees and recruitments worldwide.

2022 PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT

ADHESIVE SOLUTIONS (25% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)

in millions of euros		2022		2021		Change
Sales		2,898		2,278		+27.2%
EBITDA		366		316		+15.8%
EBITDA margin		12.6%		13.9%
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		288		250		+15.2%
REBIT margin		9.9%		11.0%

Sales in the Adhesive Solutions segment totaled €2,898 million, up by 27.2% compared with 2021. The 14.9% positive scope effect corresponds to the integration of Ashland’s adhesives and to a lesser extent Permoseal. The segment’s organic growth reached 7.0%, driven by a 14.8% positive price effect resulting from the segment’s policy of increasing selling prices in response to raw materials, energy and transportation cost inflation. Volumes fell by 7.8%, affected in particular by the slowdown in the European construction market, reinforced by significant destocking in the second half of the year following the growth of this market since summer 2020. The currency effect was a positive 5.3%.

EBITDA was up by 15.8% year-on-year to €366 million. The figure includes in particular the contribution of Ashland’s performance adhesives, whose acquisition was finalized on 28 February 2022 and which benefited from solid momentum throughout the year, as well as the evolution in the product mix toward higher value-added applications, but EBITDA was nevertheless impacted by the decline in volumes. Despite the mechanical dilutive impact of price increases of close to 2 points, the EBITDA margin held up well at 12.6% (versus 13.9% in 2021).

ADVANCED MATERIALS (38% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)

in millions of euros		2022		2021 (1)		Change
Sales		4,341		3,307		+31.3%
EBITDA		941		671		+40.2%
EBITDA margin		21.7%		20.3%
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		663		388		+70.9%
REBIT margin		15.3%		11.7%

Sales in the Advanced Materials segment rose by a strong 31.3% compared with 2021 to €4,341 million. Demand remained solid in business areas linked to sustainable megatrends such as batteries, bio-based consumer goods and 3D printing. However, segment volumes declined by 5.5% year-on-year, impacted mainly by the slowdown and destocking in Europe in Performance Additives in the second half of the year, as well as by the health situation in China. The 31.1% positive price effect, which was fairly homogeneous across the segment’s two Business Lines, reflects both the selling price increases in a context of high raw materials, energy and logistics cost inflation, and the improvement of the product mix toward higher value-added solutions. It also reflects the specific situation of PVDF in the first nine months of the year which benefited from particularly significant tightness in the batteries area. The negative scope effect of 0.9% corresponds to the divestment of the epoxides business in late 2021, and the currency effect was a positive 6.6%.

EBITDA rose by a sharp 40.2% year-on-year to €941 million. It was supported, in High Performance Polymers, by the excellent momentum of solutions that have a high technological content, and by the tightness observed in PVDF. EBITDA of Performance Additives progressed to a very good level, supported by high value-added developments but impacted by the decline in volumes in the second half of the year. In this context, the EBITDA margin came to 21.7% compared with 20.3% in 2021.

COATING SOLUTIONS (28% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)

in millions of euros		2022		2021		Change
Sales		3,250		2,746		+18.4%
EBITDA		593		525		+13.0%
EBITDA margin		18.2%		19.1%
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		466		407		+14.5%
REBIT margin		14.3%		14.8%

Sales in the Coating Solutions segment grew by 18.4% to €3,250 million, around one-third of which were in acrylic monomers. In a context of high raw materials and energy cost inflation, sales growth was supported by a 19.1% positive price effect, driven by price increases in downstream products as well as in upstream acrylics. While volumes benefited from new business developments in more eco-friendly solutions, they were nevertheless down by 8.3% for the year, impacted primarily by the slowdown and destocking in Europe, particularly in decorative paints, as well as by lockdowns in China, while demand in the United States proved more resilient. The integration of Polimeros Especiales in September 2022 added 0.4% to segment sales while the currency effect was a positive 7.2%.

At €593 million, EBITDA was up by 13.0%, supported by the resilience of downstream activities in a highly inflationary environment and by favorable conditions in upstream acrylics in the first half of the year. The EBITDA margin remained at a high level of 18.2% (19.1% in 2021).

INTERMEDIATES (9% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES)

in millions of euros		2022		2021 (1)		Change
Sales		1,020		1,158		-11.9%
EBITDA		306		307		-0.3%
EBITDA margin		30.0%		26.5%
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		245		239		+2.5%
REBIT margin		24.0%		20.6%

Sales in the Intermediates segment declined by 11.9% year-on-year to €1,020 million, impacted by a negative scope effect of 17.9% related to the PMMA divestment in May 2021 and a 14.0% fall in volumes. This decline is attributable to the mechanical effect of refrigerant gas quotas in the United States and to the Covid situation in China, which affected demand for acrylics in Asia. The positive 12.8% price effect was supported by solid momentum in refrigerant gases, particularly in the United States, and also takes into account the clear deterioration in market conditions for acrylics in Asia in the second half of the year. The currency effect was a positive 7.2%.

In this context, EBITDA was stable at €306 million (€307 million in 2021) despite the negative scope effect linked to the divestment of PMMA, supported by the progress of refrigerant gases. The EBITDA margin rose to 30.0% versus 26.5% in 2021.

KEY FIGURES FOR FOURTH-QUARTER 2022

in millions of euros		Q4'22		Q4'21 (1)		Change
Sales		2,507		2,500		+0.3%
EBITDA		291		417		-30.2%
Specialty Materials		286		360		-20.6%
Adhesive Solutions		75		69		+8.7%
Advanced Materials		148		169		-12.4%
Coating Solutions		63		122		-48.4%
Intermediates		24		79		-69.6%
Corporate		-19		-22
EBITDA margin		11.6%		16.7%
Specialty Materials		12.3%		16.1%
Adhesive Solutions		10.8%		11.9%
Advanced Materials		14.5%		18.1%
Coating Solutions		10.4%		16.8%
Intermediates		13.3%		31.2%
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		146		273		-46.5%
REBIT margin		5.8%		10.9%
Adjusted net income		88		212		-58.5%
Adjusted net income per share (in €)		1.16		2.86		-59.4%
Recurring cash flow		238		222		+7.2%
Free cash flow		199		108		+84.3%

Group sales were stable year-on-year at €2,507 million (€2,500 million in Q4’21). Volumes were down by 15.4%, impacted by weak demand in China, as well as a slowdown and significant destocking in Europe. Destocking was also observed in the United States, notably in construction. Supported by the Group’s policy of increasing selling prices in the face of cost inflation, the price effect was a positive 8.2%. The 3.6% positive scope effect reflects mainly the integration of acquisitions in Specialty Materials, particularly Ashland’s adhesives. The 3.8% positive currency effect was mainly linked to the appreciation of the US dollar against the euro.

Group EBITDA declined to €291 million relative to the very high comparison base of Q4’21 (€417 million), impacted mainly by lower volumes, as well as by much less favorable market conditions in acrylics in Asia. In this environment, the EBITDA margin came in at 11.6% (16.7% in Q4’21).

Sales in the Adhesive Solutions segment rose by 19.3% compared with fourth-quarter 2021 to €692 million. They were virtually stable at constant scope and currency, supported by a positive price effect of 11.2% to deal with cost inflation. Volumes were down by 11.7%, impacted in particular by significant destocking in Europe, as well as in the construction market in the United States. The 16.0% positive scope effect corresponds to the integration of Ashland’s adhesives and Permoseal, and the currency effect was a positive 3.8%.

At €75 million, segment EBITDA was 8.7% higher than in fourth-quarter 2021. EBITDA margin was 10.8% (11.9% for Q4’21), impacted by the mechanical dilutive impact of price increases and lower volumes.

Sales in the Advanced Materials segment rose by 9.5% compared with Q4’21 to €1,022 million. Volumes declined by 9.8%, impacted in Performance Additives by high levels of destocking in Europe and in High Performance Polymers by weak activity in China while the United States remained well-oriented. There was a 16.9% positive price effect, reflecting in particular actions to increase prices and the improved product mix. The divestment of the epoxides business in Q4’21 resulted in a 1.0% negative scope effect, and the currency effect was a positive 3.4%.

EBITDA for the segment was €148 million against the prior year’s high comparison base (€169 million in Q4’21) and the EBITDA margin was 14.5%, reflecting lower volumes in the quarter as well as reduced tightness in fluoropolymers.

Sales for the Coating Solutions segment totaled €603 million, down by 16.8% compared with the high level of fourth-quarter 2021. Volumes were down significantly by 23.6% due to weaker demand and significant destocking, particularly in Europe and to a lesser extent in the United States. The slightly positive 1.0% price effect reflects both continued price adjustments in downstream activities to offset raw materials cost inflation, and reduced tightness in upstream acrylics compared with the prior year. The currency effect was a positive 4.6%.

In this context, EBITDA came in at €63 million versus €122 million in fourth-quarter 2021, and EBITDA margin declined to 10.4%.

At €181 million, sales in the Intermediates segment declined by 28.5% compared with the fourth quarter of 2021, impacted in particular by a 20.6% drop in volumes, which were affected in refrigerant gases by the mechanical effect of quotas in the United States, and in acrylics by Covid in China. The 9.9% negative price effect reflects clearly deteriorated market conditions in acrylics in Asia, partially offset by continued solid momentum in refrigerant gases in the United States. The slightly negative scope effect of 0.8% is linked to the final residual PMMA sales in Asia in the prior year. The currency effect for the quarter was a positive 2.8%.

EBITDA dropped sharply to €24 million (€79 million in Q4’21), due mainly to lower volumes and much less favorable market conditions in acrylics in Asia compared with the very high prior-year level. EBITDA margin thus amounted to 13.3% (31.2% in Q4’21).

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 3 January 2023, Arkema finalized the divestment of Febex, a company specialized in phosphorus-based chemistry, to Belgian group Prayon, thus continuing its dynamic business portfolio management.

On 16 January 2023, Arkema successfully completed a €400 million bond issue with an eight-year maturity and an annual coupon of 3.50%, enabling the Group to extend the average maturity of its financial resources and initiate the refinancing of its upcoming bond maturities.

Moreover, Laurent Tellier joined Arkema as Senior Vice-President of Performance Additives and as a member of the Group’s Executive Committee as of 16 February 2023, replacing Marie-Pierre Chevallier who has retired.

OUTLOOK FOR 2023

At the beginning of the year, the macroeconomic context is marked by a lack of visibility and ongoing weak demand, in the continuity of fourth-quarter 2022. A progressive improvement is expected from the spring and should gather momentum in the second part of the year. In this demanding context, Arkema will draw on the responsiveness and commitment of its teams to adapt to changes in the macroeconomic environment and will continue to focus on cash generation and cost management.

Moreover, the Group will benefit from the contribution of its key expansion projects mainly in the second half of the year, namely the new bio-based PA11 plant in Singapore, the project with Nutrien in the United States, the PVDF units in China and France, and the expansion of the Sartomer^® plant in China and the Pebax^® plant in France, as well as from the ramp-up of Ashland’s performance adhesives.

In this context, Arkema aims to achieve in 2023 an EBITDA of around €1.5 billion to €1.6 billion and maintain a high EBITDA to cash conversion rate of over 40%.

Moreover, the Group is confirming its 2024 targets and will continue the implementation of its strategic roadmap and priorities, in particular its cutting-edge innovation focused on sustainable development and decarbonization, its targeted investments to increase its capacities and support its customers in high-growth markets linked to sustainable megatrends, its policy of high value-added acquisitions and its strategic review of the Intermediates segment.

Lastly, the Group will continue to act for a more sustainable world, leveraging its cutting-edge innovation in materials, responsible growth of its businesses, and its strong societal commitments.

Further details concerning the Group’s 2022 results are provided in the “Full-year 2022 results and outlook” presentation and the “Factsheet” document, both available on Arkema’s website at: www.arkema.com/global/en/investor-relations/

The consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2022 have been audited, and an unqualified certification report has been issued by the Company’s statutory auditors. These financial statements and the statutory auditors’ report will be available in late March 2023 in the 2022 Universal Registration Document, which will be posted on the Company’s website at: www.arkema.com/global/en/investor-relations/

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

5 May 2023: Publication of first-quarter 2023 results

11 May 2023: Annual general meeting

28 July 2023: Publication of first-half 2023 results

27 September 2023: Capital Markets Day - Paris

9 November 2023: Publication of third-quarter 2023 results

DISCLAIMER

The information disclosed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial position, results of operations, business and strategy of Arkema.

In the current context, where the Covid-19 pandemic persists across the world, and where the consequences of the Russian offensive in Ukraine and the resulting economic sanctions against Russia on geopolitical stability and the global economy remain uncertain, the retained assumptions and forward-looking statements could ultimately prove inaccurate.

Such statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions that could ultimately prove inaccurate and are subject to risk factors such as (but not limited to) changes in raw materials prices, currency fluctuations, the pace at which cost-reduction projects are implemented, developments in the Russian offensive in Ukraine, developments in the Covid-19 situation, and changes in general economic and financial conditions. Arkema does not assume any liability to update such forward-looking statements whether as a result of any new information or any unexpected event or otherwise.

Further information on factors which could affect Arkema’s financial results is provided in the documents filed with the French Autorité des marchés financiers.

Balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement data, as well as data relating to the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity and information by segment included in this press release are extracted from the consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2022 as approved by Arkema’s Board of Directors on 22 February 2023. Quarterly financial information is not audited. Information by segment is presented in accordance with Arkema’s internal reporting system used by management.

Details of the main alternative performance indicators used by the Group are provided in the tables appended to this press release. For the purpose of analyzing its results and defining its targets, the Group also uses EBITDA margin, which corresponds to EBITDA expressed as a percentage of sales, EBITDA equaling recurring operating income (REBIT) plus recurring depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets, as well as REBIT margin, which corresponds to recurring operating income (REBIT) expressed as a percentage of sales.

For the purpose of tracking changes in its results, and particularly its sales figures, the Group analyzes the following effects (unaudited analyses):

• scope effect: the impact of changes in the Group’s scope of consolidation, which arise from acquisitions and divestments of entire businesses or as a result of the first-time consolidation or deconsolidation of entities. Increases or reductions in capacity are not included in the scope effect;
• currency effect: the mechanical impact of consolidating accounts denominated in currencies other than the euro at different exchange rates from one period to another. The currency effect is calculated by applying the foreign exchange rates of the prior period to the figures for the period under review;
• price effect: the impact of changes in average selling prices is estimated by comparing the weighted average net unit selling price of a range of related products in the period under review with their weighted average net unit selling price in the prior period, multiplied, in both cases, by the volumes sold in the period under review;
• volume effect: the impact of changes in volumes is estimated by comparing the quantities delivered in the period under review with the quantities delivered in the prior period, multiplied, in both cases, by the weighted average net unit selling price in the prior period.

Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and sustainable materials. With the ambition to become in 2024 a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into 3 complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials -Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions- accounting for some 91% of Group sales in 2022, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of around €11.5 billion in 2022, and operates in some 55 countries with 21,100 employees worldwide.

A French société anonyme (limited company) with share capital of €750,435,140
Registered in Nanterre: RCS 445 074 685 Nanterre

Follow us on:
Twitter.com/Arkema_group
Linkedin.com/company/arkema

_____________________________
⁽¹⁾ Includes the reclassification of upstream PVDF to the Advanced Materials segment (from the Intermediates segment).
⁽²⁾ Based on 86% of sales assessed against sustainability criteria in 2022 and 85% in 2021, excluding Ashland’s adhesives

ARKEMA financial statements

Consolidated financial information - At the end of December 2022

Consolidated financial statements as end of December 2021 and 2022 have been audited.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
(In millions of euros)
Sales		2,507		2,500
Operating expenses		(2,129)		(1,969)
Research and development expenses		(71)		(65)
Selling and administrative expenses		(219)		(210)
Other income and expenses		(70)		(92)
Operating income		18		164
Equity in income of affiliates		(2)		(1)
Financial result		(30)		(13)
Income taxes		23		(42)
Net income		9		108
Attributable to non-controlling interests		(2)		-4
Net income - Group share		11		112
Earnings per share (amount in euros)		0.13		1.58
Diluted earnings per share (amount in euros)		0.13		1.57
		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
(In millions of euros)
Sales		11,550		9,519
Operating expenses		(8,970)		(7,376)
Research and development expenses		(270)		(243)
Selling and administrative expenses		(868)		(784)
Other income and expenses		(155)		617
Operating income		1,287		1,733
Equity in income of affiliates		(6)		(1)
Financial result		(61)		(56)
Income taxes		(254)		(369)
Net income		966		1,307
Attributable to non-controlling interests		1		(2)
Net income - Group share		965		1,309
Earnings per share (amount in euros)		12.81		17.15
Diluted earnings per share (amount in euros)		12.75		17.04

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
(In millions of euros)
Net income		9		108
Hedging adjustments		7		7
Other items		1		2
Deferred taxes on hedging adjustments and other items		1		-
Change in translation adjustments		(459)		104
Other recyclable comprehensive income		(450)		113
Impact of remeasuring unconsolidated investments		-		(3)
Actuarial gains and losses		(79)		14
Deferred taxes on actuarial gains and losses		15		(1)
Other non-recyclable comprehensive income		(64)		10
Total income and expenses recognized directly in equity		(514)		123
Total comprehensive income		(505)		231
Attributable to non-controlling interest		(5)		(3)
Total comprehensive income - Group share		(500)		234
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
Net income		966		1,307
Hedging adjustments		26		(12)
Other items		1		2
Deferred taxes on hedging adjustments and other items		(2)		(1)
Change in translation adjustments		108		278
Other recyclable comprehensive income		133		267
Impact of remeasuring unconsolidated investments		(1)		(6)
Actuarial gains and losses		88		76
Deferred taxes on actuarial gains and losses		(14)		(15)
Other non-recyclable comprehensive income		73		55
Total income and expenses recognized directly in equity		206		322
Total comprehensive income		1,172		1,629
Attributable to non-controlling interest		-		1
Total comprehensive income - Group share		1,172		1,628

INFORMATION BY SEGMENT
			4th quarter 2022
(In millions of euros)			Adhesive Solutions		Advanced Materials		Coating Solutions		Intermediates		Corporate		Total
Sales			692		1,022		603		181		9		2,507
EBITDA			75		148		63		24		(19)		291
Recurring depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets			(21)		(74)		(32)		(16)		(2)		(145)
Recurring operating income (REBIT)			54		74		31		8		(21)		146
Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses			(53)		(4)		(1)		-		-		(58)
Other income and expenses			(18)		(48)		(1)		0		(3)		(70)
Operating income			(17)		22		29		8		(24)		18
Equity in income of affiliates			-		(2)		-		-		-		(2)
Intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment additions			37		202		59		11		9		318
Of which: recurring capital expenditure			37		166		59		11		9		282
			4th quarter 2021*
(In millions of euros)			Adhesive Solutions		Advanced Materials		Coating Solutions		Intermediates		Corporate		Total
Sales			580		933		725		253		9		2,500
EBITDA			69		169		122		79		(22)		417
Recurring depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets			(18)		(78)		(30)		(15)		(3)		(144)
Recurring operating income (REBIT)			51		91		92		64		(25)		273
Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses			(12)		(4)		(1)		-		-		(17)
Other income and expenses			(19)		(66)		0		(5)		(2)		(92)
Operating income			20		21		91		59		(27)		164
Equity in income of affiliates			-		(1)		-		-		-		(1)
Intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment additions			34		195		55		8		10		302
Of which: recurring capital expenditure			34		124		54		8		10		230
* As of 1 st January 2022, upstream PVDF has been reclassified to the Advanced Materials segment (from the Intermediates segment). Data for 2021 has been restated accordingly.

INFORMATION BY SEGMENT
			End of December 2022
(In millions of euros)			Adhesive Solutions		Advanced Materials		Coating Solutions		Intermediates		Corporate		Total
Sales			2,898		4,341		3,250		1,020		41		11,550
EBITDA			366		941		593		306		(96)		2,110
Recurring depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets			(78)		(278)		(127)		(61)		(6)		(550)
Recurring operating income (REBIT)			288		663		466		245		(102)		1,560
Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses			(95)		(18)		(5)		-		-		(118)
Other income and expenses			(63)		(79)		0		23		(36)		(155)
Operating income			130		566		461		268		(138)		1,287
Equity in income of affiliates			-		(6)		-		0		-		(6)
Intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment additions			85		456		127		20		19		707
Of which: recurring capital expenditure			85		333		127		20		19		584
			End of December 2021*
(In millions of euros)			Adhesive Solutions		Advanced Materials		Coating Solutions		Intermediates		Corporate		Total
Sales			2,278		3,307		2,746		1,158		30		9,519
EBITDA			316		671		525		307		(92)		1,727
Recurring depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets			(66)		(283)		(118)		(68)		(8)		(543)
Recurring operating income (REBIT)			250		388		407		239		(100)		1,184
Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses			(48)		(15)		(5)		-		-		(68)
Other income and expenses			(53)		(209)		(13)		903		(11)		617
Operating income			149		164		389		1,142		(111)		1,733
Equity in income of affiliates			-		-		-		(1)		-		(1)
Intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment additions			77		535		102		27		22		763
Of which: recurring capital expenditure			77		283		97		27		22		506
* As of 1 st January 2022, upstream PVDF has been reclassified to the Advanced Materials segment (from the Intermediates segment). Data for 2021 has been restated accordingly.

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
(In millions of euros)
Operating cash flows
Net income		966		1,307
Depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets		707		817
Other provisions and deferred taxes		(45)		58
(Gains)/losses on sales of long-term assets		(38)		(991)
Undistributed affiliate equity earnings		6		1
Change in working capital		(137)		(290)
Other changes		37		13
Cash flow from operating activities		1,496		915
Investing cash flows
Intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment additions		(707)		(763)
Change in fixed asset payables		(23)		78
Acquisitions of operations, net of cash acquired		(1,616)		(40)
Increase in long-term loans		(93)		(36)
Total expenditures		(2,439)		(761)
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment		18		18
Proceeds from sale of operations, net of cash transferred		19		1,161
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated investments		-		8
Repayment of long-term loans		61		47
Total divestitures		98		1,234
Cash flow from investing activities		(2,341)		473
Financing cash flows
Issuance (repayment) of shares and paid-in surplus		48		-
Purchase of treasury shares		(22)		(329)
Dividends paid to parent company shareholders		(222)		(191)
Interest paid to bearers of subordinated perpetual notes		(16)		(15)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests		(4)		(4)
Increase in long-term debt		6		11
Decrease in long-term debt		(233)		(68)
Increase / (Decrease) in short-term debt		611		(56)
Cash flow from financing activities		168		(652)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(677)		736
Effect of exchange rates and changes in scope		(16)		(38)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2,285		1,587
Cash and cash equivalents at end or the period		1,592		2,285

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
		31 December 2022		31 December 2021
(In millions of euros)
ASSETS
Goodwill		2,655		1,925
Intangible assets, net		2,178		1,517
Property, plant and equipment, net		3,429		3,031
Equity affiliates: investments and loans		24		29
Other investments		52		52
Deferred tax assets		166		144
Other non-current assets		245		218
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS		8,749		6,916
Inventories		1,399		1,283
Accounts receivable		1,360		1,432
Other receivables and prepaid expenses		202		181
Income tax receivables		130		91
Other current financial assets		57		109
Cash and cash equivalents		1,592		2,285
Assets held for sale		22		4
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS		4,762		5,385
TOTAL ASSETS		13,511		12,301
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share capital		750		767
Paid-in surplus and retained earnings		6,218		5,598
Treasury shares		(20)		(305)
Translation adjustments		352		243
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - GROUP SHARE		7,300		6,303
Non-controlling interests		39		47
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		7,339		6,350
Deferred tax liabilities		362		342
Provisions for pensions and other employee benefits		382		493
Other provisions and non-current liabilities		458		443
Non-current debt		2,560		2,680
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES		3,762		3,958
Accounts payable		1,149		1,274
Other creditors and accrued liabilities		437		430
Income tax payables		109		155
Other current financial liabilities		13		52
Current debt		698		82
Liabilities related to assets held for sale		4		0
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES		2,410		1,993
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		13,511		12,301

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
		Shares issued												Treasury shares				Shareholders' equity - Group share		Non-controlling interests		Shareholders' equity
(In millions of euros)		Number		Amount		Paid-in surplus		Hybrid bonds		Retained earnings		Translation adjustments		Number		Amount
At 1 January 2022		76,736,476		767		1,272		700		3,626		243		(2,779,553)		(305)		6,303		47		6,350
Cash dividend		—		—		—		—		(238)		—		—		—		(238)		(4)		(242)
Issuance of share capital		757,473		7		41		—		—		—		—		—		48		—		48
Capital decrease by cancellation of treasury shares		(2,450,435)		(24)		(246)		—		—		—		2,450,435		270		—		—		—
Purchase of treasury shares		—		—		—		—		—		—		(262,945)		(22)		(22)		—		(22)
Grants of treasury shares to employees		—		—		—		—		(37)		—		360,976		37		—		—		—
Share-based payments		—		—		—		—		37		—		—		—		37		—		37
Issuance of hybrid bonds		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Redemption of hybrid bonds		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		(4)		(4)
Transactions with shareholders		(1,692,962)		(17)		(205)		—		(238)		—		2,548,466		285		(175)		(8)		(183)
Net income		—		—		—		—		965		—		—		—		965		1		966
Total income and expense recognized directly through equity		—		—		—		—		98		109		—		—		207		(1)		206
Comprehensive income		—		—		—		—		1,063		109		—		—		1,172		—		1,172
At 31 December 2022		75,043,514		750		1,067		700		4,451		352		(231,087)		(20)		7,300		39		7,339

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
To monitor and analyse the financial performance of the Group and its activities, the Group management uses alternative performance indicators. These are financial indicators that are not defined by the IFRS. This note presents a reconciliation of these indicators and the aggregates from the consolidated financial statements under IFRS.
RECURRING OPERATING INCOME (REBIT) AND EBITDA
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
OPERATING INCOME		1,287		1,733		18		164
- Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of tangible and intangible assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses		(118)		(68)		(58)		(17)
- Other income and expenses		(155)		617		(70)		(92)
RECURRING OPERATING INCOME (REBIT)		1,560		1,184		146		273
- Recurring depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets		(550)		(543)		(145)		(144)
EBITDA		2,110		1,727		291		417
Details of depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets:
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
Depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets		(707)		(817)		(215)		(246)
Of which: Recurring depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets		(550)		(543)		(145)		(144)
Of which: Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses		(118)		(68)		(58)		(17)
Of which: Impairment included in other income and expenses		(39)		(206)		(12)		(85)
ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
NET INCOME - GROUP SHARE		965		1,309		11		112
- Depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of tangible and intangible assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses		(118)		(68)		(58)		(17)
- Other income and expenses		(155)		617		(70)		(92)
- Other income and expenses - Non-controlling interests		-		-		-		-
- Taxes on depreciation and amortization related to the revaluation of assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price of businesses		25		15		13		3
- Taxes on other income and expenses		27		(146)		22		16
- One-time tax effects		19		(5)		16		(10)
ADJUSTED NET INCOME		1,167		896		88		212
- Weighted average number of ordinary shares		74,095,040		75,409,368
- Weighted average number of potential ordinary shares		74,420,933		75,859,550
ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in euros)		15.75		11.88		1.16		2.86
DILUTED ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (in euros)		15.68		11.81		1.16		2.85
RECURRING CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT ADDITIONS		707		763		318		302
- Exceptional capital expenditure		123		252		36		71
- Investments relating to portfolio management operations		-		-		-		-
- Capital expenditure with no impact on net debt		-		5		0		1
RECURRING CAPITAL EXPENDITURE		584		506		282		230
CASH FLOWS AND EBITDA TO CASH CONVERSION RATE
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021		4th quarter 2022		4th quarter 2021
Cash flow from operating activities		1,496		915		457		308
+ Cash flow from investing activities		(2,341)		473		(259)		(177)
NET CASH FLOW		(845)		1,388		198		131
- Net cash flow from portfolio management operations		(1,629)		909		(1)		23
FREE CASH FLOW		784		479		199		108
Exceptional capital expenditure		(123)		(252)		(36)		(71)
- Non-recurring cash flow		(26)		(25)		(3)		(43)
RECURRING CASH FLOW		933		756		238		222
The net cash flow from portfolio management operations corresponds to the impact of acquisition and divestment operations.
Non-recurring cash flow corresponds to cash flow from other income and expenses.
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
RECURRING CASH FLOW		933		756
EBITDA		2,110		1,727
EBITDA TO CASH CONVERSION RATE		44.2%		43.8%

NET DEBT
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
Non-current debt		2,560		2,680
+ Current debt		698		82
- Cash and cash equivalents		1,592		2,285
NET DEBT		1,666		477
+ Hybrid bonds		700		700
NET DEBT AND HYBRID BONDS		2,366		1,177
WORKING CAPITAL
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
Inventories		1,399		1,283
+ Accounts receivable		1,360		1,432
+ Other receivables including income taxes		332		272
+ Other current financial assets		57		109
- Accounts payable		1,149		1,274
- Other liabilities including income taxes		546		585
- Other current financial liabilities		13		52
WORKING CAPITAL		1,440		1,185
CAPITAL EMPLOYED
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
Goodwill, net		2,655		1,925
+ Intangible assets (excluding goodwill), and property, plant and equipment, net		5,607		4,548
+ Investments in equity affiliates		24		29
+ Other investments and other non-current assets		297		270
+ Working capital		1,440		1,185
CAPITAL EMPLOYED		10,023		7,957
Elements of capital employed classified as assets held for sale		18		4
ADJUSTED CAPITAL EMPLOYED		10,041		7,961
RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (ROCE)
(In millions of euros)		End of December 2022		End of December 2021
Recurring operating income (REBIT)		1,560		1,184
Adjusted capital employed		10,041		7,961
ROCE		15.5 %		14.9 %

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230223005167/en/

Investor relations contacts

Béatrice Zilm +33 (0)1 49 00 75 58 beatrice.zilm@arkema.com

Peter Farren +33 (0)1 49 00 73 12 peter.farren@arkema.com

Mathieu Briatta +33 (0)1 49 00 72 07 mathieu.briatta@arkema.com

Caroline Chung +33 (0)1 49 00 74 37 caroline.chung@arkema.com

Media contacts

Gilles Galinier +33 (0)1 49 00 70 07 gilles.galinier@arkema.com

Anne Plaisance +33 (0)6 81 87 48 77 anne.plaisance@arkema.com

Source: Arkema

FAQ

What were Arkema's total sales in 2022?

Arkema reported total sales of €11.5 billion in 2022.

How much did Arkema's EBITDA grow in 2022?

Arkema's EBITDA grew by 22.2% to reach €2.11 billion.

What is Arkema's proposed dividend for 2022?

Arkema proposed a dividend of €3.40 per share for the year 2022.

What were the main factors impacting Arkema's Q4 performance?

Arkema's Q4 performance was impacted by a significant decline in demand and destocking, especially in Europe.

What are Arkema's 2023 EBITDA expectations?

Arkema aims for an EBITDA of around €1.5 billion to €1.6 billion in 2023.