Altana reports strong sales and earnings growth in first half of 2026

Speciality chemicals group Altana achieved revenues of EUR 1,675 million in the first half of 2026, representing a 3 % increase compared to the prior-year period. On an operational basis – adjusted primarily for negative currency effects – the company grew by 8 %. All four business divisions as well as the three key regions of the Americas, Europe, and Asia contributed to this growth. 

Profitability also improved over the reporting period. Altana increased its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) by 14 % to EUR 332 million. The EBITDA margin rose to 19.8 %, up from 17.9 % in the same period of the previous year. Martin Babilas, CEO of Altana, attributed the performance to strong demand for high-value product solutions and elevated customer stock-building in response to geopolitical tensions: “In the first half of the year, demand increased particularly for the highest-quality solutions from our product portfolio. In addition, many customers filled their warehouses beyond the usual level due to the geopolitically tense situation. Our strong sales and earnings performance in the first six months also demonstrates how important our innovative and sustainable solutions are for the competitiveness of our customers’ products in different industries and markets.” 

High R&D investment and energy efficiency underpin resilience 

Altana spent EUR 109 million on research and development (R&D) in the first six months of 2026, equating to nearly 7 % of revenues – significantly above the industry average. Approximately one in six Altana employees works in R&D. As of 30 June, the company employed 8,060 people worldwide, around 290 fewer than a year earlier, following the divestiture of smaller business activities. 

The company also highlighted its comparatively low energy consumption relative to the industry average as a factor reducing its exposure to elevated prices for oil, gas, and electricity. Altana stated it continues to work on improving energy efficiency and making its products more resource-efficient. Rating agency EcoVadis recently awarded Altana a gold medal, placing it among the top 5 % of all companies assessed globally. 

Americas and all divisions post operational gains 

CFO Stefan Genten pointed to the company’s global footprint as a further resilience factor: “We are present worldwide exactly where our customers and the most attractive growth markets are, and we continuously strengthen our decentralised location network through targeted investments. This makes Altana more geographically independent, accelerates innovation, and reduces risks along the supply chains as well as in connection with tariffs.” 

In the Americas, revenues rose 5 % nominally and 11 % operationally, with the United States – Altana’s largest single market – recording nominal growth of 11 % and operational growth of 19 %. Key growth drivers in the US were demand for electrical insulation and protective materials from Elantas, as well as lubricants and granules from Eckart. Europe, the company’s largest region by revenue, grew 2 % nominally and 7 % operationally. Asia recorded 2 % nominal and 6 % operational growth, with India posting particularly strong operational growth of 17 %. All four business divisions reported operational revenue increases: Byk grew 9 % operationally, Eckart 11 %, Elantas 4 %, and Actega 10 %. 

Full-year outlook confirmed 

For the full year 2026, Altana confirmed its outlook, expecting mid-single-digit percentage revenue growth adjusted for currency and acquisition effects. The company anticipates EBITDA at least at the level of the strong prior-year figure. Altana noted that ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and armed conflicts are expected to weigh on demand and raw material costs in the second half of the year.

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