Clariant Improves Margins Despite Flat Sales
Clariant reported second quarter 2025 sales of CHF 968 million, flat in local currency compared to the prior year. Growth in the Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives segments offset a slight decline in Care Chemicals, with stable pricing and volume overall. Reported sales in Swiss francs declined 8% due to significant currency headwinds.
EBITDA before exceptional items rose 3% year over year to CHF 169 million, with the margin improving by 200 basis points to 17.5%. This was attributed to strong volume growth in Catalysts, a positive product mix, and continued execution of the company’s savings initiatives. Reported EBITDA was CHF 139 million, down 16%, due to CHF 22 million in restructuring charges.
For the first half of 2025, Clariant recorded CHF 1.981 billion in sales, up 1% in local currency. The EBITDA margin before exceptional items increased to 18.1% from 16.8% in the prior year. Cash flow from operations reached CHF 116 million, while free cash flow conversion rose to 37%.
Savings programs remain on track, with CHF 19 million in cost reductions achieved in the first half and CHF 80 million in total run-rate savings targeted by 2027. The company also completed restructuring activities including site closures, headcount reductions, and procurement optimizations.
Clariant continues to expand digital services through its CLARITY™ catalyst platform, which now supports over 185 customer plants worldwide. Sustainability efforts advanced as Scope 1 and 2 emissions declined 10% year over year due to increased use of green electricity, now covering 72% of the company’s needs. Updated 2030 climate targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.
For full-year 2025, Clariant maintained its EBITDA margin target of 17–18% before exceptional items but revised local currency sales growth expectations to 1–3%, citing global economic uncertainty and weaker industrial production. Medium-term targets through 2027 remain unchanged.
Access the full earnings report here.
Learn more about market trends shaping the coatings industry.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
