OREANDA-NEWS. May 11, 2012. Margins in the petrochemical industry remained depressed in the quarter, due to the combination of limited demand, which reflected the weak economic growth, especially in developed countries, and higher prices for raw materials, mainly naphtha.

Domestic demand for thermoplastic resins showed signs of recovery in 1Q12, particularly in March. Braskem's resins sales volume grew 9% compared to the previous quarter, while the industry grew 3% on average, with the difference due to the Company's higher share in total sales, while the share of imports in the market decreased.

On the operational front, the Company's production posted a solid performance, setting a new monthly record in March for the production of the main petrochemical raw material, ethylene, as well as for polypropylene. The capacity utilization rates of these two products, as well as for polyethylene, increased by more than 10 percentage points compared to 4Q11. The higher capacity utilization rates for Braskem's main products reflect the normalization of production at the Company's plants following the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance shutdowns during 2011.

"Although initial measures taken by the Brazilian government, such as supporting the currency and lowering interest rates, are a move in the right direction, it is very important to advance the creation of an industrial policy for the country that can restore the competitiveness of local industry in a scenario marked by so many uncertainties," said Carlos Fadigas, the CEO of Braskem.

Braskem's consolidated net revenue was BRL 8.2 billion the first quarter, down 5% from the prior quarter. The higher sales and increase in average sale prices in U.S. dollar were offset by the reduction in naphtha resales. Compared to 1Q11, net revenue grew 11%, driven by the 6% average appreciation in the U.S. dollar in the period.

Consolidated EBITDA in 1Q12 was BRL 787 million, up 10% on the prior quarter. The amount reflects the nonrecurring effect from the recognition of compensation from a feedstock supply agreement, with a positive impact of BRL 236 million. The higher sales volume was insufficient to offset the lower contribution margin, which followed international spreads in thermoplastic resins and key basic petrochemicals, which decreased by around 11% and 6%, respectively.

Compared to 1Q11, EBITDA decreased 14% in Brazilian real and 20% in U.S. dollar. The higher sales volume and 6% appreciation in the U.S. dollar in the period were insufficient to offset the lowers spreads in thermoplastic resins and basic petrochemicals, which decreased 31% and 22%, respectively, between the periods.

Braskem recorded net income of BRL 152 million. This result was mainly driven by the reduction in financial expenses due to the depreciation in the U.S. dollar in the period and by the nonrecurring impact from the compensation received under the supply contract, as mentioned above.

The Company's consolidated net debt in U.S. dollar decreased by 4% in the quarter, to USD 6.1 billion at March 31. When measured in Brazilian real, Braskem's consolidated net debt decreased by 7%, influenced by the U.S. dollar depreciation of 3% in the period. The average debt term increased from 12 to 15 years, due to the reopening of two bonds issues, one involving 10-year bonds and the other perpetual bonds, with each issue worth USD 250 million and placed at very competitive conditions, and the proceeds used to pay higher-cost and shorter-term debt.

The Annual Shareholders' Meeting held on April 27, 2012 approved the distribution of dividends in the total amount of BRL 483 million. The payment of around BRL 0.60 per common and class A and B preferred shares will be made as of November 20.

Maintaining its commitment to making investments with returns above the cost of capital, Braskem made operating investments of BRL 700 million in the first quarter. Of this total, around BRL 350 million, or 50%, was allocated to capacity expansion projects, such as the expansion of the PVC plant in the state of Alagoas, the new butadiene plant at the Southern Petrochemical Complex and the Ethylene XXI project in Mexico.

"In the current scenario, the commissioning of the PVC expansion project in Alagoas and the new butadiene plant in Rio Grande do Sul, which are slated for May and July, respectively, are coming at the right time and will boost the Company's results. We are committed to investments that ensure we grow together with our Clients and strengthen the entire plastic production chain, and we are taking important steps in this direction," said Carlos Fadigas.