The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of LANXESS has proposed a dividend of EUR 1 per share to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. This is around 5 percent more than in the previous year. 

In total, this corresponds to a total dividend payout of around EUR 86 million. 

Group income from continuing operations increased significantly to EUR 908 million, compared with EUR 240 million in the previous year due to the proceeds from the sale of LANXESS’ stake in chemical park operator Currenta. 

“We defied the past fiscal year's challenging conditions with resolve and inner strength, and thus achieved a result we can all be proud of. As a matter of course, such a result should also be reflected in our dividend," said Matthias Zachert, Chairman, LANXESS. 

Just a week ago, the Group raised its guidance for the full year 2021: EBITDA pre exceptionals is now expected to be between EUR 950 million and EUR 1 billion. 

Zachert said, “This shows that we are now reaping the fruits of the Group restructuring carried out over the last several years in the areas where it counts most. We have become considerably more resilient and far less vulnerable to economic fluctuations than before.” 

LANXESS took key strategic steps in 2020. With the sales of the membrane and chrome chemicals businesses, as well as the announced sale of the leather chemicals business and the exit from chrome ore production, the Group systematically divested areas that no longer fit into the strategic focus on specialty chemicals. 

In 2020, LANXESS also completed a significant stage on the road to climate neutrality. The specialty chemicals company built a nitrous oxide reduction plant in Antwerp, Belgium, which came on stream at the beginning of 2021. This will enable LANXESS to reduce its emissions by 150,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year. A further 300,000 metric tons are to be added annually when the second expansion stage comes on stream in 2023.