Lanxess (Leverkusen / Germany; www.lanxess.com) credits its “price before volume” strategy as well as acquisitions and a focus on emerging markets for its record sales and earnings performance in 2011. Sales revenue increased by 23% to EUR 8.8 bn, EBITDA pre-exceptionals moved forward by 25% to EUR 1.1 bn and the EBITDA margin rose to 13.1% from 12.9% a year earlier. Double-digit sales increases were recorded in all geographical areas.

Even in last year’s fourth quarter, a dismal period for many European chemicals and plastics producers, Lanxess increased sales 16% to EUR 2.1 bn, while EBITDA pre-exceptionals totalled EUR 174m – slightly ahead of the EUR 172m posted a year earlier. At the same time, however, the EBITDA margin sank to 8.2% from 9.4%.

The Performance Polymers segment, including the semi-crystalline products business unit (PA and PBT), made the most substantial gains in 2011, lifting sales by 37% to EUR 5.1 bn. Business with the automotive industry was the main driver. EBITDA pre-exceptionals rose 40% to EUR 768m, reflecting strong demand for plastics and rubber. “We focused precisely on this trend at the right time, and have continuously invested in our strengths and in the principal emerging markets,” CEO Axel Heitmann said at the annual results press conference.

After a “promising start” to 2012, the company’s goal is to exceed last year’s record performance, Heitmann said, adding that “we expect to post EBITDA pre-exceptionals of between EUR 330m and EUR 350m in the first quarter.” The primary focus will be on “solutions for sustainable mobility.” New capacities coming on stream this year are expected to contribute to growth in all three segments. “We are well on our way to achieving our medium-term earnings target of EUR 1.4 bn in 2015,” the CEO remarked.