EQUATE Group Reports Third Quarter Business Results

KUWAIT, October 29, 2019 — The EQUATE Group, a global producer of petrochemicals, today announced its Q3 2019 unaudited earnings, reporting $264 million in EBITDA, a 52% decrease from $547 million in Q3 2018, and $811 million in revenue, a 35% decrease from $1,247 million in Q3. Net income after tax stood at $143 million in Q3 2019, a 65% decrease from $406 million in the same period last year.

Commenting on the results, Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran, CEO and President of the EQUATE Group, said: “We continue to see steady demand in the market but are experiencing compressed margins due to uncertainty related to tariffs notably in Asia. EQUATE’s lowest cost position at all of its assets across the globe allows us to continue to run at maximum rates.

He added: “We are very pleased to announce the startup of the MEGlobal Oyster Creek, TX site in October, 2019, ahead of schedule and in line with budgets, once again demonstrating EQUATE’s operational excellence and ability to deliver on its commitments to customers and shareholders.”

ABOUT THE EQUATE GROUP
The EQUATE Group is a global producer of petrochemicals and the world’s second largest producer of ethylene glycol (EG). The EQUATE Group owns and operates industrial complexes in Kuwait, North America and Europe that annually produce over 6 million tons of ethylene, EG, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), styrene monomer (SM), paraxylene (PX), heavy aromatics (HA) and benzene (BZ). The EQUATE Group includes EQUATE Petrochemical Company (EQUATE), The Kuwait Olefins Company (TKOC), as well as a number of subsidiaries such as MEGlobal and Equipolymers. Their products are marketed throughout Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The EQUATE Group’s shareholders are Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical Company (BPC) and Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company (QPIC). Employing more than 1,500 people worldwide, the EQUATE Group is a leading enterprise that pursues sustainability wherever it operates through partnerships in fields that include the environment, economy and society. Visit www.equate.com .

Disclaimer
This earnings announcement (the Announcement) is for information only. The announcement is based on unaudited financial information of EQUATE Petrochemical Co. K.S.C.C. and The Kuwait Olefins Co. K.S.C.C. (together with their consolidated subsidiaries, the EQUATE Group) which is subject to change without notice and the accuracy thereof is not guaranteed. The information in the Announcement does not intend to contain all material information concerning the financial status of the EQUATE Group. We do not make any representation regarding, and assume no responsibility or liability (however arising and regardless of nomenclature) for, the accuracy or completeness of, or any errors or omissions in, any information contained in the Announcement.
Historical and current performance data are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Information contained in this Announcement may refer to forward-looking statements. The views in the Announcement are based on current assumptions which are subject to various risks and may change over time, as such we make no representations in respect of the correctness, accuracy, and/or completeness of such assumptions. Further, no assurance can be given that future events will occur, and/or that projections (if any) will be achieved. Past performance is not a reliable indication of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. The Announcement shall not be considered, or in any way construed, as an offering of securities.