Revenues were well up (+12%) compared to the same period last year reflecting strong growth in Catalysis and Energy & Surface Technologies. Higher demand coupled with an increased contribution from recent investments and – to a lesser extent – a favourable currency impact, led to a solid increase in recurring EBIT, which was up 24%. Umicore’s growth investments remained on track and capital expenditures amounted to € 100 million.
Major investments were successfully carried out in the Hoboken plant during an extended shutdown in the second quarter, as part of the program to increase capacity by 40%. The next investment wave will be completed by the end of the summer.
Under current conditions, Umicore expects its full year recurring EBIT to be within the upper half of the previously stated range of € 310 – 340 million.