Clariant forecasts that its core EBITDA margin will increase from 17.8% in 2025 to around 18% in 2026, even as local-currency sales are expected to remain flat for a second consecutive year.
Following the announcement, the company’s shares rose by nearly 3%.
Weak Demand and High Energy Costs Continue to Pressure the Sector
The chemical industry has faced another difficult year, impacted by weak demand in key end-markets, high energy prices, strong competition from China, and the cost burden of U.S. import tariffs. Germany’s chemical industry association (VCI) has also indicated that the sector is likely to stagnate in 2026.
Clariant CEO Conrad Keijzer stated that energy costs in Europe have more than doubled compared to historical levels, particularly affecting energy-intensive segments of the chemical industry. He attributed the increase to sanctions on Russia that curtailed access to low-cost pipeline gas supplies.
The company said continued pricing discipline and effective cost management will help offset inflationary pressures within its cost base.
CHF 80 Million Savings Target by 2027
As part of its margin improvement program, Clariant is targeting CHF 80 million (approximately $104 million) in cost savings by 2027.
In 2025 alone, the company achieved CHF 50 million in savings. Most of the remaining savings are expected to be realized in 2026.
Fourth-quarter EBITDA (before exceptional items) increased by 10% to CHF 176 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations of CHF 159 million.
Clariant also proposed a dividend of CHF 0.42 per share for 2025, in line with the previous year’s payout.
