LANXESS posts higher Q2 2026 sales and EBITDA pre exceptionals

Quarter overview

The specialty chemicals company generated Q2 2026 sales of EUR 1.561 billion, a 6.5 percent increase on EUR 1.466 billion a year earlier. EBITDA pre exceptionals was EUR 152 million, up 1.3 percent from EUR 150 million, with an EBITDA margin pre exceptionals of 9.7 percent versus 10.2 percent in the prior-year quarter. Improved demand and higher volumes, together with price increases, largely offset higher raw material and energy costs.

Comparison with Q1 2026 and cash flow

Compared with Q1 2026, sales rose 13.3 percent and EBITDA pre exceptionals increased 61.7 percent. Free cash flow improved from negative EUR 29 million in Q1 to EUR 56 million in Q2. CEO Matthias Zachert said the company benefited from increased demand, including temporary effects from the Middle East conflict, but does not expect a sustained upturn in core markets; cost-reduction programmes are expected to contribute more in H2.

Guidance

LANXESS confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance from March, targeting EBITDA pre exceptionals of between EUR 450 and 550 million.

Segment performance

Consumer Protection: sales EUR 515 million (+5.3%), EBITDA pre exceptionals EUR 81 million (-6.9%), margin 15.7% (prior-year included an insurance reimbursement). Specialty Additives: sales EUR 588 million (+11.4%), EBITDA pre exceptionals EUR 77 million (+32.8%), margin 13.1%. Advanced Intermediates: sales EUR 456 million (+2.2%), EBITDA pre exceptionals EUR 35 million (-20.5%), margin 7.7%, impacted by high energy costs and targeted inventory reductions despite higher selling prices.