Braskem Announces EBITDA of R$ 2.5 Billion in 2009

USA - English

• USA - English
• USA - English
• USA - English
• USA - English
• USA - English
• USA - English
• USA - English
• USA - English

SAO PAULO, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BRASKEM S.A. (BOVESPA: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the leading resin producer in the Americas, announces today its results for 4Q09 and 2009.

PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS:

-- Braskem's crackers operated at high rates and production increased 7% in 2009, reaching 2.3 million tons, with average production capacity of 89% in 2009.

-- Thermoplastic resins Sales volume grew 14% in 2009, reflecting good performance of sectors related to consumer goods and opportunities in the export market.

-- EBITDA reached R$2.5 billion in 2009, with EBITDA margin of 16.2%.

-- Ethylene XXI Project: the agreement signed between Braskem, IDESA and Pemex in November 2009 provided for the construction of a cracker with ethylene capacity of 1,000 kton/year, integrated with three polymerization units with production capacity of 450 kton/year of HDPE, 350 kton/year of LLDPE and 250 kton/year of LDPE.

-- Acquisition of Quattor: On 01/22/2010 Braskem announced the acquisition of Quattor, in line with its strategy to strengthen the domestic petrochemical chain and create a more competitive national player with the ability to compete at the global level.

-- Acquisition of Sunoco: On the international front, on 02/01/2010 Braskem announced the acquisition of the PP assets of Sunoco Chemicals.

-- Green PE Project advances: The physical progress of construction of the green ethylene plant (Green PE Project) continues at accelerated pace.

-- Participation in the Refis: Braskem included under the Tax Debt Repayment Program offered by the Office of the General Counsel to the National Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (SRF) the pending administrative procedures and lawsuits in which it claims the right to IPI (federal VAT) tax credits on purchases of raw materials subject to a zero tax rate; the benefits from the IPI Premium tax credits on export transactions; and the payment of Social Contribution on Profit (CSSL).

The full earnings release is available on the Company's IR website: www.braskem.com.br/ir

Braskem will host conference calls to discuss 4Q09 and 2009 results TOMORROW, March 4, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. ET in English and 8:00 a.m. ET in Portuguese. See connecting details on the Company's IR website.

    For further information, contact Braskem's Investor Relations Area:
    Luciana Ferreira, (+55 11) 3576-9178, [email protected]
    Roberta Varella, (+55 11) 3576-9266, [email protected]
    Marina Dalben, (+55 11) 3576-9716, [email protected]

SOURCE Braskem