Stable Volumes and Specialty Materials Growth
Group volumes were broadly stable year-on-year in Q1 2026; Specialty Materials volumes increased by 1.5% with all Specialty segments up and a strong pick-up in March.
Strong Performance in High-Growth End Markets
Volumes in attractive end markets (batteries, sport, 3D printing and healthcare) were up 15%, with batteries delivering strong growth driven by energy storage demand and supporting High Performance Polymers (HPP).
Q1 EBITDA Sequential Improvement
Q1 EBITDA was EUR 283 million, up 14% versus Q4 2025 (driven by March improvement), slightly above expectations despite adverse conditions.
PIAM and Coating Solutions Outperformance
PIAM EBITDA increased by >30% year-on-year in local currency, achieving a 35% EBITDA margin; Coating Solutions improved its EBITDA margin by 100 basis points and reported volumes +3%.
Disciplined Capital Allocation and Cash/CapEx Management
Q1 CapEx was EUR 75 million (on track for EUR 600 million full-year target); working capital ratio improved to 16.3% year-on-year, contributing to better recurring cash flow versus last year.
Progress on Key Growth Projects and Capacity Expansions
PVDF U.S. expansion (adding ~15% capacity) scheduled to start mid-year; announced +20% PVDF expansion in China (start 2028); Rilsan Clear unit in Singapore successfully started and is expected to support HPP earnings from Q2.
Confirmed 2026 Target and Active Cost Measures
Management confirmed its target of slight EBITDA growth at constant exchange rates for 2026 and is executing cost-cutting and fixed cost inflation measures to protect margins.