Clariant reports 5.6% local‑currency Q3 sales growth; confirms 2026 guidance

Q3 performance

Sales in Q3 2026 rose 5.6% in local currencies to CHF 968.8 million (6.9% in CHF), with pricing up 5.7% and volumes modestly up excluding pruning. Care Chemicals and Adsorbents & Additives recorded pricing‑led growth; Catalysts saw volumes decline as the Middle East conflict led customers to delay orders. Group EBITDA before exceptional items was CHF 151.5 million (margin 15.6%), a 230‑basis point decline versus prior year driven by normalization of Corporate provision phasing and mix/volatile raw‑material effects in Care Chemicals and Catalysts.

First nine months and cash flow

9M sales were CHF 2,828.1 million, up 1.0% in local currencies (2.1% ex‑pruning). Pricing increased 2.2% while volumes were slightly down, impacted by the Middle East and pruning. Reported EBITDA declined modestly; free cash flow conversion (LTM) improved to 48% from 39%, attributed to better operating cash flow, disciplined capex and effective net working capital management.

Cost programs and restructuring

Performance improvement measures have generated CHF 79 million in run‑rate savings YTD, including headcount reductions, procurement savings and site/line closures; Q3 contributed ~CHF 10 million and incurred CHF 6 million of restructuring charges. The company maintains its target of CHF 90 million run‑rate savings in 2026 and CHF 100 million by 2027.

Outlook and innovation

Guidance for 2026 is unchanged: sales in local currency expected around flat (net pruning impact ~1% for the Group) and an EBITDA margin before exceptional items around 18%. Clariant cites a strong order book into Q4, continued price management against higher raw material, energy and logistics costs, and highlighted product and digital developments including CLARITY™, a CATOFIN™ PDH contract, new China R&D labs and modest emissions reductions.