Business
Arkema: First-Quarter 2025 Results
PARIS LA DÉFENSE, May 07, 2025--Regulatory News: Arkema (Paris:AKE):
About this update from Arkema Sa
Arkema's volumes and financial performance held up well in the first quarter of 2025, in a broadly weak demand environment outside of Asia, which is progressing, and an uncertain geopolitical context PARIS LA DÉFENSE, May 07, 2025 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--Regulatory News: Arkema (Paris:AKE): Chairman and CEO Thierry Le Hénaff said: "The global macroeconomic environment is currently marked by the strong uncertainty generated by the subject of tariffs and their consequences on demand, interest rates and exchange rates. In the first quarter, the Group’s performance was broadly resilient, supported notably by the significant growth of our activities in Asia and of High Performance Polymers. Our balanced geographical footprint, the recent acquisitions of PIAM and Dow’s laminating adhesives, and the progressive ramp-up of our major industrial investments made a positive contribution to the Group’s results. In this context of limited visibility and slowdown in demand, Arkema will once again rely on its capacity to adapt and its agility, and will continue to strictly manage its operations with a strong emphasis on cost savings. In parallel, the Group will pursue its long-term innovation strategy centered on Specialty Materials by focusing notably on finalizing the projects currently in progress." Outlook Relying on its industrial footprint close to customers in the three major regions of the world, Arkema anticipates a limited direct impact from the recent increase in tariffs, while remaining vigilant about their effect on the macroeconomic environment and the global demand. In this context, the Group aims to achieve in 2025 an EBITDA at least equal to last year’s at constant exchange rates and a significantly increasing recurring cash flow of close to €600 million, unless a major slowdown in global growth occurs due to geopolitical disruptions. KEY FIGURES FOR FIRST-QUARTER 2025 FIRST-QUARTER 2025 BUSINESS PERFORMANCE At €2,381 million , the Group’s sales increased by 1.7% compared with first-quarter 2024. In a weak demand environment in Europe and North America, volumes were broadly stable year-on-year (down 0.2%), supported by strong growth in Asia. Benefiting from the significant increase in High Performance Polymers, driven by the dynamic of new businesses notably in the battery, electronics and sports markets, Specialty Materials volumes were nonetheless impacted by the decrease in Europe and the United States of industrial adhesives, Performance Additives and Coating Solutions. The price effect was limited (negative 0.5%) in a broadly stable raw materials environment. The 1.9% positive scope effect corresponded essentially to the integration of Dow's laminating adhesives. Finally, the currency effect was a positive 0.5%, mainly reflecting the appreciation of the US dollar against the euro at the start of the year. At €329 million , Group EBITDA was down slightly by 6%, impacted by the significant decline of Intermediates, while Specialty Materials held up well in a weak demand environment and an uncertain geopolitical context. The latter benefitted from an additional contribution of €15 million from major growth projects compared to last year, and from the favorable dynamic in High Performance Polymers. The other business lines in specialties were stable or down. The Group’s EBITDA margin stood at 13.8% (15.0% in Q1'24). Recurring operating income (REBIT) of €160 million (€202 million in Q1'24) included €169 million in recurring depreciation and amortization, up €21 million compared with first-quarter 2024, reflecting essentially the start-up of new production units during 2024. In first-quarter 2025, the REBIT margin thus amounted to 6.7% (8.6% in Q1'24). Taking into account a tax rate excluding exceptional items of 22.5% of recurring operating income, adjusted net income amounted to €99 million (€138 million in Q1'24), i.e. €1.31 per share. CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT AT 31 MARCH 2025 Recurring cash flow of negative €138 million (negative €60 million in Q1'24) included a negative change of €210 million in working capital reflecting the first-quarter business seasonality and a €96 million negative change in fixed assets payables mechanically linked to the sharp decrease in capital expenditure in the first quarter compared to end-2024. At end-March 2025, working capital represented 17.4% of the annualized sales (16.1% at end-March 2024). Recurring cash flow also included lower capital expenditure compared with last year at €89 million (€99 million in Q1'24), in line with the annual guidance. Free cash flow was a negative €155 million (negative €82 million in Q1’24), including a non-recurring cash outflow of €17 million, down compared to the previous year, partly linked to reorganization costs at the Jarrie site in France. Net debt and hybrid bonds amounted to €3,425 million at end-March 2025 (€3,241 million at end-2024), and the net debt and hybrid bonds to last-twelve-months EBITDA ratio stood at 2.3x. FIRST-QUARTER 2025 PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT ADHESIVE SOLUTIONS (30% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES) Adhesive Solutions segment sales totaled €715 million , up by 5.1% year-on-year (€680 million in Q1’24), reflecting essentially the 8.1% positive scope effect corresponding to the integration of Dow’s laminating adhesives. In a weak demand environment in North America and Europe, the segment’s volumes were down 2.5%, impacted by industrial adhesives, while construction was stable. The 0.3% negative price effect reflected stable raw materials prices and the currency effect was limited at a negative 0.2%. EBITDA amounted to €99 million , slightly down by 5.7% compared to first-quarter 2024. It was impacted by lower volumes but supported by strict control of operations and continued dynamic management of selling prices. In this context, EBITDA margin stood at 13.8% (15.4% in Q1'24), integrating the expected dilutive effect of nearly 50 bps linked to the consolidation of Dow’s laminating adhesives. ADVANCED MATERIALS (38% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES) Up 1.8% compared to first-quarter 2024, sales in the Advanced Materials segment stood at €894 million . Volumes were up 0.3%, supported by a positive dynamic in High Performance Polymers, notably in Asia in the battery, electronics and sports markets, but affected by weak demand in Performance Additives. Prices rose by 0.9%, driven by High Performance Polymers. Lastly, the currency effect was limited to a positive 0.6%. At €174 million , the segment's EBITDA increased strongly by 7.4% compared to last year (€162 million in Q1'24). High Performance Polymers EBITDA was up significantly, benefiting from the strong progression of PIAM in electronics, the positive momentum in high value-added fluorospecialties for energy efficiency of buildings and the growth in the battery and sports markets. Performance Additives EBITDA held up well in this weak demand environment and was slightly down. EBITDA margin increased significantly by 100 bps and reached 19.5% (18.5% in Q1'24). COATING SOLUTIONS (25% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES) Sales in the Coating Solutions segment were down 1.3% compared to first-quarter 2024, and stood at €607 million , integrating a 2.5% decline in volumes in a weak demand environment. The price effect was stable at positive 0.2% and the segment benefited from a positive 1.0% currency effect. EBITDA was down significantly by 22.7% and stood at €58 million (€75 million in Q1’24), impacted, beyond the decrease in volumes, by low cycle margins in upstream acrylics. In this context, the EBITDA margin stood at 9.6% (12.2% in Q1'24). INTERMEDIATES (7% OF TOTAL GROUP SALES) At €157 million , sales in the Intermediates segment were stable compared with first-quarter 2024, benefiting from a significant 15.8% increase in volumes driven mainly by acrylics in Asia, partially offset by lower quotas in refrigerant gases in Europe. The negative price effect of 11.4% mainly reflected lower refrigerant gas prices in the United States. The scope effect was a negative 7.6%, corresponding to the disposal of non-strategic assets in sebacic acid in China finalized in fourth-quarter 2024, and the currency effect was a positive 2.6%. At €24 million (€39 million in Q1’24), EBITDA decreased by 38.5% year-on-year, mainly impacted by refrigerant gases, which are expected to remain significantly down in the second quarter but improve from mid-year. In this context, the EBITDA margin stood at 15.3% (24.7% in Q1'24). FIRST-QUARTER 2025 HIGHLIGHTS On 26 February 2025, Arkema announced a 15% capacity expansion of its PVDF production site in Calvert City, Kentucky, representing an investment of around 20 million US dollars, in line with the Group’s strategy to increase its global PVDF footprint at a pace and with capabilities that match market development. This capacity expansion, whose start-up is planned for mid-2026, will support the increasing demand for locally manufactured high performance resins for lithium-ion batteries, as well as the growing semiconductor and cable markets. Arkema also announced on 26 March 2025 that it had signed a new contract with ENGIE to supply biomethane to several Bostik sites in France, following the long-term contract signed with ENGIE in early 2023 for the supply of 300 GWh/year of biomethane in France. This 25 GWh/year contract will cover some 85% of the annual gas consumption of four Bostik sites in France (Coubert, Privas, Ribécourt and Venette), a notable step forward in the decarbonization of its energy supply. OUTLOOK In a global economic environment that remains uncertain and marked by weak demand outside of Asia, Arkema will continue to rely on its geographical balance, the diversity of its end markets and its major growth projects and will continue its cost control actions, as well as the strict management of its operations. Relying on its industrial footprint close to customers in the three major regions of the world, Arkema anticipates a limited direct impact from the recent increase in tariffs. Nevertheless, the Group will remain vigilant about their effect on the macroeconomic environment and the global demand, which is difficult to assess reliably at this stage. In this context, the Group aims to achieve in 2025 an EBITDA at least equal to last year’s at constant exchange rates and a significantly increasing recurring cash flow of close to €600 million, unless a major slowdown in global growth occurs due to geopolitical disruptions. The second quarter is expected to be in relative continuity with the trends observed since the beginning of the year, with two specific points of attention on customer wait-and-see attitude linked to the announcements on tariffs and the evolution of exchange rates. Arkema will also continue to implement its strategic roadmap unveiled at the Capital Markets Day in September 2023, notably its innovation efforts and the development of high performance solutions for a less carbon-intensive and more sustainable world, in partnership with its customers. Further details concerning the Group's 2025 results are provided in the "First quarter 2025 results and outlook" presentation and the "Factsheet", both available on Arkema's website at: www.arkema.com/global/en/investor-relations/ FINANCIAL CALENDAR 22 May 2025: Annual general meeting 31 July 2025: Publication of first-half 2025 results 7 November 2025: Publication of third-quarter 2025 results DISCLAIMER The information disclosed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial position, results of operations, business and strategy of Arkema. In a context of significant geopolitical tensions, where the outlook for the global economy remains uncertain, the retained assumptions and forward-looking statements could ultimately prove inaccurate. Such statements are based on management's current views and assumptions that could ultimately prove inaccurate and are subject to risk factors such as (but not limited to) changes in raw materials prices, currency fluctuations, and the pace at which cost-reduction projects are implemented, escalating geopolitical tensions, and changes in general economic and financial conditions. Arkema does not assume any liability to update such forward-looking statements whether as a result of any new information or any unexpected event or otherwise. Further information on factors which could affect Arkema's financial results is provided in the documents filed with the French Autorité des marchés financiers. Balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement data, as well as data relating to the statement of changes in shareholders' equity and information by segment included in this press release are extracted from the consolidated financial statements at 31 March 2025 as reviewed by Arkema's Board of Directors on 6 May 2025. Quarterly financial information is not audited. Information by segment is presented in accordance with Arkema's internal reporting system used by management. Definitions and concordance tables for the main alternative performance indicators used by the Group are provided in Notes 6 and 8 to the 31 March 2025 consolidated financial statements at the end of this document. For the purpose of tracking changes in its results, and particularly its sales figures, the Group analyzes the following effects (unaudited analyses): Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and more sustainable materials. With the ambition to become a pure player in Specialty Materials in 2024, the Group is structured into three complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials - Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions - accounting for some 92% of Group sales in 2024, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of around €9.5 billion in 2024 and operates in some 55 countries with 21,150 employees worldwide. ARKEMA financial statements Consolidated financial information - At the end of March 2025 Consolidated financial statements as of December 2024 have been audited. 8. DEFINITIONS OF ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS This alternative performance indicator corresponds to depreciation, amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets before taking into account: The indicator facilitates period-to-period comparisons by eliminating non-recurring items. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the net amount of current assets and liabilities relating to operating activities, capital expenditure and financing activities. It reflects the Group’s short-term financing requirements resulting from cash flow timing differences between outflows and inflows relating to operating activities. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the sum of the following: Capital employed is used to analyze the amount of capital invested by the Group to conduct its business. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to capital employed adjusted for divestments and acquisitions, to ensure consistency between the numerator and denominator items used to calculate ROCE. In the case of an announced divestment of a business announced and not finalized by 31 December, the operating income of this business remains consolidated in the income statement, and is therefore included in the calculation of REBIT, whereas items relating to capital employed are classified as assets/liabilities held for sale and are therefore excluded from the calculation of capital employed. To ensure consistency between the numerator and denominator items used to calculate ROCE, capital employed at 31 December is increased by the capital employed relating to the business being sold. When an acquisition is finalized during the year, operating results are only consolidated in the income statement from the date of acquisition, and not for the full year, while capital employed is recognized in full at 31 December. When the acquisition has not generated a material contribution to the year's earnings, in order to ensure consistency between the numerator and denominator items used to calculate ROCE, capital employed at 31 December is reduced by the capital employed relating to the acquired business, unless they are considered as not material. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the sum of current and non-current debt less cash and cash equivalents. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the amount of net debt and hybrid bonds. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the ratio of net debt and hybrid bonds to EBITDA. The indicator measures the level of debt in relation to the Group's operating performance, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. The IFRS item most similar to this alternative performance indicator is operating income. The indicator corresponds to operating income before taking into account: This indicator is used to assess the Group's operating profitability and its ability to generate operating cash flow before changes in working capital, capital expenditure and cash flow from financing and tax expenses. It also facilitates period-to-period comparisons by eliminating non-recurring items, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to free cash flow excluding non-recurring or exceptional items, i.e., non-recurring cash flow and exceptional capital expenditure. The indicator enables period-to-period comparisons by eliminating the impact of exceptional or non-recurring items and portfolio management, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. It is used to assess the Group's ability to generate cash to finance its shareholder returns, non-recurring or exceptional items and acquisitions. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to net cash flow before taking into account net cash flow from portfolio management operations. It enables period-to-period comparisons by eliminating portfolio management, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the sum of two IFRS items, cash flow from operations and cash flow from net investments. It provides an estimate of Group cash flow before changes in cash flow from financing activities. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to cash flows from acquisitions and divestments as described in notes 3.2.2 "Acquisitions during the year" and 3.3 "Business divestments". This alternative performance indicator corresponds to cash flow from other income and expenses, as described in note 6.1.5 "Other income and expenses". This alternative performance indicator corresponds to free cash flow before taking into account intangible assets and property, plant and equipment additions, adjusted for non-recurring cash flows. It is used to assess the Group's ability to generate cash to finance its intangible assets and property, plant and equipment additions, shareholder returns and acquisitions. It corresponds to and replaces the "Operating cash flow" indicator defined at the Capital Markets Day on 27 September 2023. The IFRS item most similar to this alternative performance indicator is intangible assets and property, plant and equipment additions. Recurring capital expenditure includes all intangible assets and property, plant and equipment additions, adjusted for exceptional capital expenditure, investments linked to portfolio management operations and investments with no impact on net debt (financed by third parties). This indicator enables period-to-period comparisons by eliminating exceptional items, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. Alternative performance indicator corresponding to a very limited number of capital expenditure items for major development projects that the Group presents separately in its financial communication due to their size and nature. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the recurring operating income (REBIT) to sales ratio. It facilitates period-to-period comparisons by eliminating non-recurring items, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the EBITDA to sales ratio. It facilitates period-to-period comparisons by eliminating non-recurring items, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. It is also one of the financial performance criteria linked to performance share plans. The IFRS item most similar to this alternative performance indicator is operating income. The indicator corresponds to operating income before taking into account: The indicator assesses the Group's operating profitability before tax and excluding non-recurring items, whatever the financing structure, since it does not take into account financial result. It facilitates period-to-period comparisons by eliminating non-recurring items, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. The IFRS item most similar to this alternative performance indicator is net income – Group share. This indicator corresponds to net income – Group share before non-recurring items. Exceptional or non-recurring items correspond to: This indicator enables us to assess the Group's profitability by taking account of not only operating items, but also the Group's financing structure and income taxes. It facilitates period-to-period comparisons by eliminating non-recurring items, and provides a consistent basis for comparison with our peers. This alternative performance indicator is calculated by dividing adjusted net income for the period by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to earnings per share adjusted for the dilutive effect of all potential ordinary shares. It is calculated by dividing adjusted net income for the period by the weighted average number of potential ordinary shares outstanding during the period. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the ratio of recurring operating income (REBIT) for the period to capital employed at the end of the period. It is used to assess the profitability of capital expenditure over time. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the ratio of recurring operating income (REBIT) for the period to the adjusted capital employed at the end of the period. It is used to assess the profitability of capital expenditure over time, by adjusting items relating to capital employed acquired during the period or in the course of disposal to bring them into line with the items used in REBIT. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the ratio of recurring cash flow to EBITDA. The indicator is used to assess the Group's ability to generate cash to finance, in particular, returns to shareholders, exceptional capital expenditure and acquisitions. This alternative performance indicator corresponds to the ratio of operating cash flow to EBITDA. The indicator provides a consistent basis for comparison between periods and with our peers, whatever the growth strategy adopted, whether external growth through acquisitions or internal growth through capital expenditure. It is also one of the financial performance criteria linked to performance share plans. It corresponds to and replaces the "Operating cash conversion rate" indicator defined at the Capital Markets Day on 27 September 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250506740833/en/ Contacts Investor relations contacts Béatrice Zilm +33 (0)1 49 00 75 58 [email protected] James Poutier +33 (0)1 49 00 73 12 [email protected] Alexis Noël +33 (0)1 49 00 74 37 [email protected] Colombe Boiteux +33 (0)1 49 00 72 07 [email protected] Media contacts Gilles Galinier +33 (0)1 49 00 70 07 [email protected] Anne Plaisance +33 (0)6 81 87 48 77 [email protected]