Updated: 2013-05-08 09:12 Source: PUWORLDRoyal DSM NV, the Dutch materials and life sciences group, today reported first quarter sales of 2.4 billion euros ($3.16 billion), up 4 percent compared with the same quarter in 2012.
The rise was boosted by growth in Asia and what DSM called a "modest recovery" in the United States.
Quarterly earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) rose 1.6 percent to 311 million euros ($409 million).
DSM's performance materials operation saw a 4 percent decline in sales to 673 million euros ($886 million), dampened by a dip in construction and building activity across Europe.
Sales in its polymer intermediates arm were 2 percent higher at 437 million euros ($576 million), driven by higher volumes, while the operation's Ebitda fell 58 percent, fuelled by lower caprolactum prices and higher benzene prices.
Chairman and CEO Feike Sijbesma said he was pleased with the group's numbers in what had been a "challenging environment".
"Where the last two years were characterized by acquisitions, in 2013 we will fully focus on the operational performance and the integration of acquisitions," he said.
Sijbesma added that the company still expects strong Ebitda growth for the year, moving towards 1.4 billion euros ($1.84 billion), compared with the 1.1 billion euros in 2012.
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