LANXESS reported a 6.5% year-on-year increase in sales to EUR 1.561 billion in the second quarter of 2026, compared with EUR 1.466 billion in the same period last year.

EBITDA pre exceptionals rose 1.3% to EUR 152 million from EUR 150 million, while the corresponding margin stood at 9.7%, compared with 10.2% in Q2 2025. The improvement was supported by higher demand and increased sales volumes, while price increases largely offset higher raw material and energy costs.

Compared with the first quarter of 2026, sales increased 13.3% and EBITDA pre exceptionals rose 61.7%. Free cash flow improved to EUR 56 million from negative EUR 29 million in the previous quarter.

Matthias Zachert, CEO of LANXESS, said higher demand supported the quarterly performance, although the company does not expect a sustained recovery in its core markets during the remainder of the year.

LANXESS maintained its full-year 2026 guidance for EBITDA pre exceptionals of EUR 450 million to EUR 550 million.

The Consumer Protection segment recorded sales of EUR 515 million, up 5.3% YoY, while EBITDA pre exceptionals declined 6.9% to EUR 81 million.

Specialty Additives posted an 11.4% increase in sales to EUR 588 million, with EBITDA pre exceptionals rising 32.8% to EUR 77 million. Higher demand and selling prices supported the segment’s performance.

Advanced Intermediates reported sales of EUR 456 million, up 2.2% YoY. EBITDA pre exceptionals declined 20.5% to EUR 35 million, affected by higher energy costs and planned inventory reductions.