Songwon Industrial Group releases Q1/2023 financial results

Songwon Industrial Group has released its audited financial results for the 1st quarter of 2023. The Group reported a decline in revenue of -21.1% in Q1/2023 (KRW267,167M) compared to sales generated in Q1/2022 (KRW338,433M). Songwon’s gross profit margin in the first three months of 2023 was 15.4%, a decrease of -11%-points when compared to the same period of the previous year (26.4%). Net profit in Q1/2023 was KRW10,626M, lower than in Q1/2022 (KRW43,427M).

After delivering good financial results for FY 2022, Songwon started 2023 slowly, recording lower earnings due to the anticipated further decline in demand. Throughout Q1/2023, both Division Industrial Chemicals and Division Performance Chemicals continued to be affected by the ongoing geopolitical tensions, deteriorating economic conditions and inflationary pressures compounded by customers’ destocking activities.

Consistent with expectations, Q1 of 2023 was challenging for Songwon’s Polymer Stabilisers business. Negatively impacted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and strong price competition from Asia, revenues declined significantly driven by weak demand. Fuel and Lubricants performed well in Q1/2023 and saw revenues increase due to its effectively implemented pricing formula mechanism. The business also profited from the lower raw material and shipping costs. For Songwon’s Coatings business, Q1 revenues were negatively impacted by weak demand and price erosion due to the increasing levels of supply availability in the marketplace.

Compared to 2022, Tin Intermediates saw lower volumes in Q1/2023 and strong fluctuations in profitability caused by the continuing volatility in the price of tin. However, with the market in China gradually improving, revenues are expected to grow in the next quarter. Still affected by the stagnation in the construction industry in Korea and the subsequent weak demand, as well as the Lunar New Year holidays, Q1/2023 was a challenging quarter for PVC. For Solution Polyurethanes and Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, stable pricing and lower raw material costs resulted in volumes slightly above Q4/2022. Profitability also improved during in Q1 compared to Q4/2022.

With the current highly volatile and complex macroeconomic environment expected to persist, 2023 is set to be a challenging year. In view of this, Songwon refrains from making any predictions related to market development but will be monitoring developments closely going forward. The Group intends to continue executing its ongoing strategy and implementing appropriate measures to ensure its operations and businesses can adapt to the evolving market realities. Looking ahead, Songwon is confident that it can navigate the current challenges and is well-positioned to continue successfully meeting customers’ needs and ensuring long-term sustainable growth.