Brussels – Global materials technology and recycling group Umicore reported an increase in revenues from its catalysis and energy materials segments but overall revenues were down 2% on 2012, its full year financial report stated.
The company, which has been ranked ninth in the Materials Group section of Corporate Knights’ Global100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World index, reported a total turnover for of $9.8bn (EUR7.1bn) in 2013, compared to $12.5bn in 2012.
In catalysts, revenues rose 3% with Chinese and North American markets looking set to continue their growth pattern and the European market showing recovery signs, said the report.
Asian car production was up 13% during 2013 compared to 2012, said the report. However, “lacklustre domestic sales in South Korea and Japan” (2% - 4% down on the previous year) pulled the overall revenue figure for the region down last year. The company said it is gearing up for increases in automotive demand during 2014.
Revenues in the company’s energy materials segment were up 10% with further increases expected in the coming year. The company’s performance materials segment turnover dropped 3% from 1.5bn in 2012 to 1.3bn in 2013. The report said the outlook seems “unlikely to change significantly in the near term” partly due to a “subdued” European building market.
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