(Reuters) -Swiss specialty chemicals maker Clariant reported a better-than-expected second-quarter operating profit on Thursday as stronger sales in its catalysts and additives business made up for a small dip in its care chemicals division.
The company said its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, rose 3% year-on-year to 169 million Swiss francs ($208.05 million) in the quarter, above analysts’ forecast of 164 million francs in a company-provided poll.
CEO Conrad Keijzer said quarterly performance was further supported by the successful execution of the company’s savings program.
Clariant repeated what it said in April, still expecting a moderation in general inflation for the year, but no significant economic recovery due to persistent macroeconomic challenges, uncertainties, and risks, which include potential trade tensions and tariffs.
It said it still considered the direct impact of the tariff dispute on its own performance to be manageable, but at the same time warned that global demand could be affected.
The company, whose chemicals are used in the production of smartphones and electric vehicles, confirmed its profit margin guidance for 2025 at 17%–18%, but lowered its local currency sales growth expectation to 1%–3%, reflecting the continued uncertainty in its end markets.
In April, Clariant said it saw local currency sales growth at the bottom end of the 3%–5% range.
It reiterated its medium-term targets would be achieved by 2027 at the latest.
($1 = 0.8123 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Marta Frąckowiak in Gdansk; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee and Mrigank Dhaniwala)
