News Markets & Companies
Wacker reports decline in sales and earnings in second quarter
Wacker Chemie posted second-quarter 2025 results in line with market expectations. Weak demand, unfavourable exchange rates and lower capacity utilisation weighed on performance. The full-year forecast was revised downward in July.
Wacker Chemie generated sales of EUR 1.41 billion in the second quarter of 2025, down 4 % compared to the same period last year. The decline was mainly due to a weaker US dollar and lower sales volumes. EBITDA fell by 26 % to EUR 114 million, with an EBITDA margin of 8.1 %, in line with the previous quarter. Net income came in at EUR -19 million.
Regional performance was mixed: sales in Europe rose slightly, while the Americas and Asia recorded declines. Germany accounted for 17 % of total sales, with 83 % generated abroad.
Earnings burdened across all business segments
The Silicones segment generated sales of EUR 713 million, nearly stable year-on-year, with EBITDA rising to EUR 104 million. Polymers reported declines with sales of EUR 363 million and EBITDA of EUR 40 million, mainly due to weak construction activity in China and Western Europe.
Biosolutions posted sales of EUR 87 million, with EBITDA increasing to EUR 5 million. Polysilicon recorded sales of EUR 218 million and EBITDA of EUR 34 million, both below the prior-year figures. While demand for solar-grade polysilicon remained weak, the semiconductor-grade business performed well.
Full-year forecast revised downward
In light of persistently weak demand in key customer industries, geopolitical uncertainties and unfavourable exchange rate developments, Wacker adjusted its forecast for 2025. Full-year sales are now expected to be between EUR 5.5 and 5.9 billion (previously EUR 6.1 to 6.4 billion). EBITDA is expected to range between EUR 500 and 700 million (previously EUR 700 to 900 million).
The company is responding with a focus on cost control, cash flow optimisation and growth initiatives. Measures include reduced investments, tighter inventory management and intensified customer engagement. CEO Christian Hartel emphasised that a recovery in demand is not yet in sight, but the company is consistently working to improve its competitiveness.
