Lenzing’s revenue in the first half of fiscal 2018 declined 6.4 per cent compared to the first half of the previous year to €1,075.4 million. The decrease was due to less favourable currency exchange rates. EBITDA decreased by 28.1 per cent to €194.8 million, especially due to price increases for key raw materials and higher energy prices. The EBITDA margin fell from 23.6 per cent in the first half of 2017 to 18.1 per cent in the first half of 2018. EBIT declined by 37 per cent to €128.7 million, leading to a lower EBIT margin of 12 per cent (H1 2017: 17.8 per cent).

Net profit for the reported period dropped 39.3 per cent from €150.3 million in the previous year to a total of €91.3 million. Earnings per share equaled €3.44 (H1 2017: €5.55). The Lenzing Group t is very well positioned in the market environment with its corporate strategy score TEN and will continue its consistent focus on growth with specialty fibres.