Clariant Posts Solid Q1 Gains Despite Restructuring
Clariant announced first quarter 2025 sales of CHF 1.013 billion, a 1% increase in local currencies compared to the prior-year period. Growth in the Care Chemicals and Adsorbents & Additives segments helped offset a seasonal decline in Catalysts.
The company’s EBITDA margin before exceptional items rose to 18.8%, supported by contributions from the Lucas Meyer Cosmetics business and cost savings initiatives. Reported EBITDA declined 12% to CHF 152 million, reflecting CHF 38 million in restructuring charges.
Clariant completed its CHF 175 million performance improvement program and began implementing an additional CHF 80 million Investor Day savings initiative.
“We have made a good start to the year, with continued margin improvement and strong contributions from key growth areas,” said Conrad Keijzer, CEO. “Assuming no further escalation of trade tensions, we remain on track to achieve our 2025 guidance.”
Regional performance was mixed: sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa rose 6% in local currency, while the Americas declined 1% and Asia-Pacific declined 3%, largely due to weakness in China. Care Chemicals posted a 6% gain including scope effects, while Catalysts declined 13%.
The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, projecting local currency sales growth at the lower end of the 3–5% range and an EBITDA margin before exceptional items between 17–18%. Reported EBITDA margin is expected to range from 15.0–15.5%.
Clariant also announced that Chief Financial Officer Bill Collins will retire. Oliver Rittgen, a former Bayer AG executive, will assume the role effective Aug. 1, 2025.
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