Solutia experiences sequential improvement in Q3 earnings

27 Oct '09

5 min read

Solutia Inc. reported income from continuing operations attributable to Solutia of $29 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $21 million for the same period in 2008. These results were impacted by certain events affecting comparability totaling a net loss of $15 million in 2009. After adjusting for these items, income from continuing operations attributable to Solutia of $44 million in the third quarter of 2009 increased $23 million versus the third quarter of 2008.

This improvement was primarily due to cost reductions, lower raw material and energy costs, and lower interest expense, partially offset by weakened demand and lower selling prices. For the quarter, Solutia posted basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Solutia of $0.24, and, as adjusted, earnings per share of $0.37.

Consolidated EBITDA from continuing operations for the third quarter decreased to $99 million on net sales of $448 million from $108 million in the third quarter of 2008 on net sales of $587 million. After taking into consideration adjustments, Adjusted EBITDA increased to $119 million from $111 million.

Segment Data
In order to aid understanding of Solutia's business performance, the results of its business segments are presented on an adjusted basis and reconciled to the comparable GAAP measures in the below tables.

Saflex Segment
Saflex's third quarter 2009 net sales were $182 million, down $39 million or 18 percent from the same period in 2008. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $47 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $36 million in the prior year period primarily due to lower raw material and SG&A costs, and improved manufacturing performance, partially offset by volume declines and lower selling prices.

Adjusted EBITDA margins expanded to 26 percent in the third quarter of 2009 in comparison to 16 percent in the same period in 2008. Sales increased $22 million or 14 percent and Adjusted EBITDA increased $8 million or 20 percent compared to the second quarter in 2009. This was primarily due to improved volumes, lower raw material and manufacturing costs and improved manufacturing utilization rates.

CPFilms Segment
CPFilms' third quarter 2009 net sales were $53 million, down $10 million or 16 percent from the same period in 2008. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $12 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $15 million in the same period in 2008, primarily due to lower window films revenue and lower fixed cost absorption, partially offset by reduced SG&A costs.

Adjusted EBITDA margins were at 23 percent for the third quarter of 2009 in comparison to 24 percent in the same period in 2008. Sales decreased $1 million or 2 percent and Adjusted EBITDA decreased $2 million or 14 percent compared to the second quarter in 2009. This was primarily due to seasonality in window film sales.

Technical Specialties Segment
Technical Specialties' third quarter 2009 net sales were $209 million, down $85 million or 29 percent compared to the same period in 2008. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $72 million for the third quarter of 2009 compared $75 million in the prior year period primarily due to lower selling prices, volume declines and lower fixed cost absorption partially offset by lower raw material and SG&A costs.

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