In 2019, Arkema achieved a high-level financial performance driven by specialty businesses in an increasingly challenging economic context.

The Group generated a record amount of cash whilst maintaining an ambitious level of investments for its future growth.

EUR8.7 billion in sales, close to last year's level (EUR8.8 billion)

EUR1,457 million EBITDA, comparable (-1.2%) with the 2018 record level, and EBITDA margin of 16.7%, stable at a high level

4Q EBITDA up 3% year on year to EUR295 million

Adjusted net income of EUR625 million, representing EUR8.20 per share

Strong increase in free cash flow to EUR667 million, representing an excellent EBITDA to cash conversion rate of 52% (38% in 2018)

Net debt (excluding the hybrid bonds) under control at EUR1.6 billion, or 1.1x 2019 EBITDA

Further increase in the proposed dividend, up 8% to EUR2.70 per share, reflecting the company's strong confidence and potential in its long-term strategy

Arkema's Board of Directors met on 26 February 2020 to approve the Group's consolidated financial statements for 2019. Commenting on the year's results, Chairman and CEO Thierry Le Henaff highlighted the following points:

'After a record year in 2018, we experienced a more difficult economic climate in 2019, marked by downturns in some markets, such as the automotive and electronics sectors, as well as a general lack of visibility. In this context, the Group's performance remained at a high level and its resilience compared favorably with the sector average. I would like to sincerely thank all our employees for their efforts and their ongoing commitment.

Beyond those very solid financial results, the Group continued its strategy of strengthening its specialty(1) businesses by carrying out high-quality bolt-on acquisitions and capacity increases for high value-added products, and stepping up its innovation drive in High Performance Materials. The Group has also recently defined an ambitious climate plan to contain global warning to well below 2-degreeC.'

The Group distinguishes between intermediate businesses, corresponding to the PMMA, Fluorogases and Acrylics Business Lines, and specialty businesses.

Outlook for 2020

In 2020, in an economic environment that is likely to remain volatile, Arkema aims to achieve an EBITDA comparable with the 2019 level, excluding the impact of Covid-19. For the full year, the Group's results should be driven by EBITDA growth of around 10% for Bostik, whilst Advanced Materials should be broadly stable and Fluorogases should decline. The contribution between the two halves should be more balanced than last year. Uncertainty persists concerning the evolution of Covid-19. The Group estimates its impact on EBITDA at the end of February at around EUR20 million.

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