Clariant reports USD 1B sales in Q3 FY25  despite volume decline

SWITZERLAND – Clariant has reported USD 1 billion (CHF 906 million) in sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, despite experiencing a volume decline. 

Sales in local currency fell by 3% compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4% drop in volumes partly offset by a 1% price increase. 

Currency effects, particularly from the US dollar, further impacted sales, leading to a 9% decrease when reported in Swiss francs.

Despite the volume and currency challenges, Clariant significantly improved its profitability, increasing the EBITDA margin before exceptional items by 230 basis points to 17.9%, up from 15.6% in Q3 of 2024. 

This enhancement reflects the company’s successful performance programs and rigorous price and cost management across all business units.

Conrad Keijzer, Chief Executive Officer of Clariant, stated, “We achieved significant growth in profitability in the third quarter of 2025, showcasing the success of our performance improvement programs and effective price and cost management across our business units.”

Sales performance by segment was mixed: Care Chemicals registered a 3% volume decline with flat pricing; Catalysts experienced an 8% volume decrease alongside stable prices; while Adsorbents & Additives grew by 1%, supported by a 3% rise in prices that compensated for a 2% dip in volumes. 

From a regional perspective, sales fell 6% in Europe, Middle East & Africa due to weaker industrial demand in Germany; decreased 3% in the Americas despite growth in the United States; and increased 1% in Asia-Pacific as stronger markets in India and South Korea offset softer demand from China.

Cost-saving initiatives continued to contribute positively, with CHF 31 million(USD 38.52 million) achieved year-to-date from the CHF 80 million(USD 99.4 million) Investor Day program, including site closures and procurement efficiencies. 

These savings helped offset inflationary pressures, delivering approximately CHF 19 million(USD 23.61 million) benefit in the third quarter. 

Reported EBITDA rose 14% to CHF 159 million(USD 197.56 million), while restructuring charges related to the savings program amounted to CHF 3 million(USD 3.73 million).

Clariant reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, expecting local currency sales growth at the lower end of 1–3%, and an EBITDA margin before exceptional items between 17% and 18%. 

The company remains focused on its medium-term targets of 4–6% sales growth, an EBITDA margin of 19–21%, and approximately 40% free cash flow conversion by 2027.

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