Our businesses performed in line with our expectations for the third quarter, as we set out in early August. Conditions were overall good in Nutrition, with momentum in Materials improving. 

With a surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks impacting near term visibility, we remain vigilant and focused on the health and safety of our employees. We thank them for their commitment and for ensuring continued security of supply to our customers."

Outlook 2020
DSM suspended its overall earnings outlook for the full year 2020 earlier this year owing to COVID-19 related uncertainties in Materials. For Nutrition, DSM indicated it expected to deliver at least a mid-single digit increase in Adjusted EBITDA for 2020, which is unchanged.

COVID-19 impact
DSM has maintained stringent hygiene and safety precautions in its facilities and supply chain since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to protect the wellbeing of its employees and partners while ensuring customer orders are met.

In the first nine months, DSM estimates that Nutrition saw a slightly positive impact on sales from COVID-19 overall. Materials saw a negative effect of slightly above 15% on volumes in that period and  in response limited capital expenditure and minimized operating costs. As part of a wider restructuring initiative to leverage synergies and increase operating agility without compromising the potential of the business, DSM started to execute a next phase of the program as from September that will deliver annualized recurring cost savings of €15-20 million in Materials, excluding the portion previously attributable to the Resins and Functional Materials businesses. DSM will continue to monitor the evolution of COVID-19 and its potential impact on the different end markets it operates in, and is prepared to take further actions if needed.

DSM continues to apply its scientific know-how and resources to support the fight against COVID-19 through various global and local initiatives. These include the distribution of immunity-optimizing products to communities, healthcare workers and employees and their families, as well as the production of viral test equipment and disinfectant. DSM has also joined several global collaborative 'Build Back Better' initiatives.

Recent acquisitions and disposals
On 30 September 2020, DSM announced an agreement to sell DSM Resins & Functional Materials, including DSM Niaga®, DSM Additive Manufacturing and the coatings activities of DSM Advanced Solar to Covestro AG for an Equity Value of €1.6 billion. These businesses represented €1,012 million of DSM's 2019 total annual net sales and €133 million of DSM's 2019 total Adjusted EBITDA. The transaction is expected to close in H1 2021 and DSM expects to receive approximately €1.4 billion net in cash following closing. As of Q3, the divested businesses are classified as 'held for sale' and the net result from these discontinued operations is separately reported in the income statement.

On 1 October 2020, DSM completed the acquisition of the majority of assets of the Erber Group, an important step in the expansion of its specialty Animal Nutrition and Health solutions, for an enterprise value of €980 million.

Virtual investor event
DSM has created an online conference venue to hold its Virtual Investor Event. The venue, which opens today (3 November 2020, 10:00 CET), offers information on DSM's innovation-driven Nutrition growth platforms. This is in preparation for the live event tomorrow (4 November 2020, 14:00-17.15 CET), when DSM's Co-CEOs and other executives will present an update on the company's strategic progress and innovation pipeline, as well as discuss emerging opportunities and growth platforms in Nutrition. The event will end with a Q&A session hosted by DSM's Co-CEOs. Details on how to access this venue can be found on the DSM website www.dsm.com/corporate/investors.html.

Q3 Highlights

Continuing operations results:

• DSM reports a solid Q3 despite significant negative foreign exchange effects
• Group sales -4% and Adjusted EBITDA -1%:
• Nutrition: sales stable, organic sales +4%, Adjusted EBITDA +7%
• Materials: sales -17%, volumes -6%, Adjusted EBITDA -31%
• Adjusted net profit down 20% to €176m.

Total Group:

• Total net profit: €183m
• Adjusted Net Operating Free Cash Flow of €297m, up 1% compared to Q3 2019

Key figures and indicators  – continuing operations