Economy Chemicals group Clariant posts lower sales in the first quarter
The specialty chemicals group Clariant generated lower sales in the first quarter of 2026 than in the same quarter of the previous year. However, profitability improved slightly due to cost-cutting measures.
08.05.2026, 07:44
SDA
Sales fell by 9.4 percent to 918.0 million Swiss francs, as the company announced on Friday. Adjusted for the negative currency effects, the decline was a more moderate 2.0 percent. The volumes sold decreased by 0.5%, while the price effect was also negative with a drop of 1.5%.
On the one hand, the Iran conflict had a negative impact on Catalysts' volumes, according to the business development report. On the other hand, the portfolio adjustment in the Care Chemicals division had a negative impact. Without the portfolio adjustment, the decline in sales in local currency would only have amounted to 0.5 percent.
Operating profit, on the other hand, benefited from the various restructuring measures. Operating profit (EBITDA) increased by 3.4% to CHF 157.8 million and the corresponding margin by 2.1 percentage points to 17.2%.
Excluding the one-off effects, EBITDA fell by 15.9 percent to CHF 10.2 million, with the corresponding margin weakening by 1.3 percentage points to 17.5 percent. Clariant attributes this decline to the strong comparative basis from the previous year on the one hand and the impact of the Iran conflict on the Catalysts business on the other.
On track with cost-cutting measures
Clariant also believes it is on track to achieve the full savings of CHF 80 million from the performance program by the end of the year. This is one year earlier than planned.
With a view to the 2026 financial year, Clariant confirms its previous forecasts. Accordingly, stable sales in local currencies and an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 18 percent are expected. The portfolio adjustment will reduce sales by around 1 percent.
The Iran conflict is mainly affecting Catalysts customers in the Middle East and Asia, with sales in this business unit for the year as a whole now expected to be down on the previous year.
At the same time, growth is expected in Adsorbents & Additives and continued slight adjusted growth in Care Chemicals, despite the effects of the Iran conflict in the Oil Services business and increasing risks for the overall demand environment.
To counteract inflation in raw materials and energy, Clariant is focusing on price management and continuing its cost initiatives.
The medium-term targets were also confirmed. Accordingly, sales growth in local currencies of 4 to 6 percent is to be achieved by 2027 at the latest. The reported EBITDA margin is expected to be between 19 and 21 percent by then.
