In local currency of Swiss francs, the company saw its sales jump to CHF 6.377 billion, with net income climbing by 15% to reach CHF 302 million.
EBITDA before exceptional items also improved significantly by 10 % to CHF 974 million.
“Clariant delivered exemplary top-line growth and absolute EBITDA improvement in 2017,” said CEO Hariolf Kottmann. “The results are particularly encouraging as all Business Areas contributed to this expansion.
"Clariant continues to consistently and successfully deliver on its strategy and is well on track to achieve its goals.
"We are making progress based mainly on our innovation and sustainability positioning. For 2018, we are confident that we will further grow in local currency, operating cash flow and profitability."
Middle East, Africa and Europe focus, as well as Asia
For the full year, sales growth in local currency was strongest in Asia, the Middle East & Africa and Europe for Clariant.
Sales in Asia rose by 12%, lifted by a ‘remarkable sales development’ in China, Southeast Asia and Japan. Sales growth in the Middle East & Africa was 15 % and in Europe 7%.
Forward looking: optimistic outlook
Clariant expects the good economic environment in mature markets, which represent a high comparable base, to continue.
The company says that emerging markets are expected to be supportive with Latin America, where sales were flat in the past year, showing signs of a recovery.
“For 2018, Clariant is confident to be able to achieve growth in local currency, as well as progression in operating cash flow, absolute EBITDA and EBITDA margin before exceptional items.
“Clariant confirms its mid-term target of reaching a position in the top tier of the specialty chemicals industry.”