Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Clariant Achieves Third Year of EBITDA Margin Growth

Key highlights
  • Q4 2025 sales increased by 1% in local currencies to CHF 1.028 billion.
  • FY 2025 EBITDA margin before exceptional items rose by 180 basis points to 17.8%.
  • Performance improvement program achieved CHF 50 million savings in 2025.
  • 2026 sales expected to be flat with an EBITDA margin around 18%.

Q4 2025 Performance

Clariant reported fourth quarter 2025 sales of CHF 1.028 billion, marking a 1% increase in local currencies compared to Q4 2024. This growth was driven by strong volume increases in Catalysts and Care Chemicals, despite flat pricing and a 6% decline in sales in Swiss francs due to currency headwinds. Care Chemicals saw a 1% sales increase in local currency, with volumes up by 2%, while Catalysts sales rose by 5% due to higher volumes.

FY 2025 Results

For the full year 2025, Clariant's sales remained flat in local currencies at CHF 3.915 billion, including a 1% scope from Lucas Meyer Cosmetics. The EBITDA margin before exceptional items improved by 180 basis points to 17.8%, supported by performance improvement programs and cost productivity. The company achieved CHF 50 million in savings through these programs, with a target of CHF 80 million by 2026.

Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns

Clariant's free cash flow conversion for 2025 increased by 10 percentage points to 42%, reaching the medium-term target level. A stable distribution of CHF 0.42 per share is proposed for the AGM on April 1, 2026.

2026 Outlook

Looking ahead to 2026, Clariant expects sales in local currency to remain flat amid a challenging market environment. The company anticipates an EBITDA margin of around 18% before exceptional items, with medium-term targets confirmed.