Outlook 2010

The company does not foresee a sustainable recovery of the global economy due to structural problems. Asia – in particular China – and Latin America will continue to provide positive impulses for the world economy, although it is unlikely that these
impulses will be strong enough to significantly mitigate a flat or even negative development in Europe and the United States.
Clariant expects 2010 sales growth in local currencies in the low single-digit range. The continued restructuring measures will improve the company’s cost position, resulting in a positive impact on the operating result. The EBIT margin before exceptionals is expected to rise above 6%. Cash flow from operations will remain strong. The projected restructuring costs will amount to CHF 200–300 million.
Reflecting the current uncertainties in the economic environment, the Board of Directors will recommend to Clariant’s 15th General Assembly on March 29, 2010 to suspend dividends, grants or payouts to shareholders for 2009.
Clariant confirms its target of a sustainable above industry average return on invested capital (ROIC) by the end of 2010.