Solvay second quarter 2025 results

Core Insights - The company reported a continued solid EBITDA margin and free cash flow delivery despite a soft demand environment in the first half of 2025 [1][3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, net sales were €1,102 million, down 7.8% year-on-year and 3.8% organically [2] - EBITDA for Q2 2025 decreased to €230 million, a decline of 15.4% year-on-year and 12.4% organically [2] - The EBITDA margin was 20.9%, down from 22.8% in Q2 2024, reflecting a decrease of 1.9 percentage points [2] - Free Cash Flow (FCF) in Q2 2025 was €54 million, a significant drop of 54.8% compared to the previous year [2] - Underlying net profit from continuing operations was €99 million in Q2 2025, compared to €116 million in Q2 2024 [5] Market Conditions - The business activity in the first half of 2025 was affected by uncertainty surrounding tariff discussions and geopolitical tensions, leading to a soft market demand environment [3][4] - The company anticipates that market conditions will remain challenging throughout the second half of 2025 [4] Cost Management - Structural cost savings initiatives delivered €29 million in Q2 2025, with cumulative savings reaching €165 million since the start of 2024 [5] - The company now expects total cost savings to exceed the previous indication of €200 million by the end of 2025 [6] 2025 Outlook - The company has revised its 2025 underlying EBITDA outlook to between €880 million and €930 million, while confirming a Free Cash Flow target of around €300 million [5][8] - The maximum capital expenditure (Capex) is set at €300 million, reflecting a focus on cash generation and dividend cover [8]