Lanxess (LXS) Q2 2026 (Media) earnings summary

Executive summary

• Sales increased 6.5% year-over-year to EUR 1.561 billion in Q2 2026, with both price and volume gains, and EBITDA pre exceptionals up 1.3% to EUR 152 million.

• Sequentially, sales rose 13.3% and EBITDA pre exceptionals surged 61.7% from Q1 2026, exceeding guidance.

• Free cash flow turned clearly positive in Q2, improving to EUR 56 million from negative EUR 29 million in Q1.

• Higher demand and price increases offset raw material and energy cost pressures, with demand supported by Middle East conflict effects.

Financial highlights

• EBITDA margin pre exceptionals was 9.7% in Q2 2026, down from 10.2% in Q2 2025.

• Net income was negative EUR 53 million, a 17.8% decline year-over-year.

• Net financial liabilities increased 1.3% to EUR 2,049 million as of June 30, 2026.

• Employees totaled 11,495 as of June 30, 2026, down 1.8% year-over-year.

• All three business segments reported positive sequential results in both sales and EBITDA.

Outlook and guidance

• Full-year 2026 EBITDA pre exceptionals guidance confirmed at EUR 450–550 million.

• Q3 EBITDA expected in the €130–150 million range, with good results anticipated versus prior year but not as strong as Q2.

• No significant economic stimulus or further momentum expected in the second half of 2026; cost discipline and reduction programs remain a priority.

• Anti-dumping measures from the EU are anticipated to support the industry.