Regulated information / inside information
Brussels, April 9, 2020, 7.30am CET – Solvay today announced a financial update related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Due to heightened uncertainty and prolonged duration of events, the Group is withdrawing its full year 2020 guidance issued on February 26, 2020. Further, Solvay confirmed its dividend recommendation, highlighting the strength of its cash flow generation, balance sheet, and liquidity. Solvay also announced plans to launch a solidarity fund to support employees and their dependents who experience hardship as a direct result of COVID-19.
“During these challenging times, we are mobilized and we are taking decisive action on matters that are within our control, especially protecting our people, meeting customer needs, and prioritizing cash generation and cost reduction,” said Ilham Kadri, chief executive officer. “We are deleveraging pension liabilities and are reducing our capital expenditure by over €250 million in 2020. Our balance sheet strength – with liquidity reserves of around €4 billion comprised of cash and undrawn credit facilities – and our focus on cash-flow generation gives me confidence that Solvay is able to navigate this period effectively.” continued Ms. Kadri.
The company confirms that it will maintain its total dividend recommendation of €3.75 gross per share, on the back of the strong 2019 results announced on 26 February 2020. This leads to a final gross dividend of €2.25 per share payable on May 20, 2020, which follows the interim dividend payment in January 2020 of €1.50 per share.
Solvay also announced plans to establish a Solvay solidarity fund to support Solvay employees and dependents who may experience hardship related to COVID-19. Senior management have unanimously volunteered to contribute 15% of their salary for the remainder of the year, and the Group will match all employee contributions. Upon management’s recommendation, the Board approved and calls on all shareholders to contribute one third of their final dividend (equivalent to €0.75 per share) towards that Fund.
“I want to thank Solvay’s employees for their commitment to keeping our key activities operational and safe in service of our customers during these challenging times. Solvay products are more than ever essential to daily lives in a number of markets such as healthcare, food and consumer goods. I am confident that Solvay will emerge stronger when economic conditions improve.” said Ms. Kadri.
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