SGL Carbon SE reported consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported sales revenue of EUR 414.1 million compared to EUR 381.6 million a year ago. EBITDA was EUR 34.1 million compared to EUR 52.7 million a year ago. Loss before tax was EUR 4.7 million compared to profit before tax of EUR 20.6 million a year ago. Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders was EUR 9.4 million compared to consolidated net profit attributable to equity holders of EUR 13.8 million a year ago. Free cash outflow was EUR 17.0 million compared to EUR 69.8 million a year ago. Basic loss per share was EUR 0.13 compared to basic earnings per share of EUR 0.20 a year ago. Net financial debt as at March 31, 2013 was EUR 479.5 million compared to EUR 459.3 million a year ago. The company provided earnings guidance for the year 2013. For the year, the company expects group sales to be approximately on the previous year's level. Group EBITDA is now anticipated 20% to 25% below the comparable EBITDA of 240 million of the previous year.

SGL Carbon SE (DB:SGL) is looking for joint venture partners in China. "A joint venture appears to be the best option. We could contribute years of market knowledge and technological know-how in particular," said Robert Koehler, Chief Executive Offer of SGL. "I hope that it will happen this year. It depends on the market and the environment. It's about getting the timing right," Koehler said in an interview.

SGL Carbon SE provided earnings guidance for the first quarter and full year of 2013. The company expects first quarter 2013 EBITDA to reach only EUR 32 million-EUR 35 million. Additionally, due to the increasing uncertainty about the business recovery in second half of 2013, the company now expects EBITDA to be 20%-25% lower in 2013 compared to 2012 (2012: EUR 240 million before write-offs) and the earlier expectation of 10%-15% reduction.