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SHAH ALAM, MY / ACCESS Newswire / June 10, 2026 / Eckem Holdings Berhad ("Eckem Holdings", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), a specialty industrial chemical solutions provider in Malaysia, which also undertakes the manufacturing and trading of rubber products, has received the Distribution Award 2025 (Platinum Level) from Wacker Chemie AG ("Wacker Chemie"), in recognition of the Group's distribution performance in 2025.

(L-R) Tan Kwang Wah, MD, Jack Tan, ED of Eckem Holdings Berhad; Nickson Chua, Business Development Manager of Eckem (JB) Sdn. Bhd.; Veronica Wong, Regional Manager Sustainability and Tom Cheong, Regional Market Development Manager of Wacker Chemie AG

Wacker Chemie is a Germany-based global specialty chemicals group with a broad portfolio spanning silicones, polymers, biosolutions and polysilicon, serving customers across more than 100 countries. Eckem Holdings was appointed as a distributor of Wacker Chemie in Malaysia since 2023.The Platinum Level recognition reflects the strength of Eckem Holdings' distribution performance and its role in connecting international specialty chemical principals with Malaysia's industrial customer base.

The recognition comes as Eckem Holdings advances its Initial Public Offering ("IPO") on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. As outlined in the prospectus, proceeds from the IPO will be utilised for key initiatives including the construction of new corporate office, warehouse and laboratory, the expansion of new production line for the Group's rubber products segment, repayment of bank borrowings, working capital requirements and listing expenses.

Mr. Tan Khai Jeik (Jack Tan), Executive Director of Eckem Holdings Berhad, commented, "We are honoured to receive the Distribution Award 2025 at Platinum Level from Wacker Chemie. This recognition reflects our team's commitment to service reliability, technical support and long-term customer relationships. As Eckem Holdings progresses towards our ACE Market listing, this achievement further reinforces our position within the specialty industrial chemicals industry and our commitment to supporting Malaysia's industrial and manufacturing ecosystem."

Eckem Holdings' IPO has been open for application since 25 May 2026 and is scheduled to close on 19 June 2026, ahead of its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 3 July 2026 at an IPO price of RM0.12 per share, with a market capitalisation of RM75.00 million upon listing.

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ABOUT ECKEM HOLDINGS BERHAD

Based in Malaysia, Eckem Holdings Berhad ("Eckem Holdings", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") is principally involved in the distribution, sales and application formulation of specialty industrial chemical products, serving downstream industrial users in the manufacturing segment, compounders and resellers. The Group also undertakes the manufacturing and trading of rubber products, comprising personal care and lifestyle products. Since the establishment of Eckem Sdn Bhd in 2007, Eckem Holdings has built a strong reputation for delivering customised specialty industrial chemical solutions, reliable supply and technical support that enhance customers' production processes. Moving forward, the Group aims to strengthen its operational capabilities and expand its market presence to support the growing demand for specialty industrial chemical products within Malaysia's industrial ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.eckem.com.

Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Eckem Holdings Berhad

For more information, please contact:

Jazzmin Wan Email:j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

Mandy Tan Email:m.tan@swanconsultancy.biz

SOURCE: Eckem Holdings Berhad

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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Der Wearable Health Silicone Elastomers-Markt wird von verschiedenen Faktoren beeinflusst, darunter die zunehmende Nachfrage nach medizinischen Geräten, die Entwicklung neuer Technologien und die steigende Bedeutung der Gesundheit und des Wohlbefindens. Die Analyse zeigt, dass der Markt in den nächsten Jahren einen signifikanten Wachstumswert aufweisen wird, was zu einer erhöhten Nachfrage nach Wearable-Health-Silicone-Elastomers führen wird. Der Bericht bietet eine umfassende Analyse des Marktes, einschließlich der wichtigsten Trends, Herausforderungen und Chancen. Er enthält auch Prognosen für die Zukunft und Empfehlungen für Unternehmen, die im Markt tätig sind.

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Wacker Chemie ist wieder im Fokus nach einer Reihe von Analysten-Revisions, die eine wichtige Fair-Wert-Schätzung von €73,50 auf etwa €81,43 angehoben haben. Unterstützende Analysen verknüpfen diese Anpassungen mit aktualisierten Annahmen und sehen den Cluster der Upgrade als Signal an, dass frühere Erwartungen möglicherweise zu vorsichtig waren. Skeptische Stimmen argumentieren jedoch, dass die höheren Ziele hauptsächlich durch Modell-Änderungen und nicht durch neue Beweise verursacht werden.

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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Revenue: EUR1.41 billion, down 5% year-over-year due to FX headwinds. EBITDA: EUR173 million, up 45% year-over-year. Net Income: EUR15 million, with earnings per share of EUR0.21. Silicones Sales: EUR708 million, down 5% year-over-year, but up 17% quarter-over-quarter. Silicones EBITDA: EUR117 million, up 13% year-over-year. Polymers Sales: EUR333 million, down 8% year-over-year, up 7% quarter-over-quarter. Polymers EBITDA: Increased by 33% year-over-year. Biosolutions Sales: EUR100 million, up 9% year-over-year. Biosolutions EBITDA: EUR13 million. Polysilicon Sales: EUR226 million, down 8% year-over-year. Polysilicon EBITDA: EUR23 million. Gross Cash Flow: EUR77 million. CapEx: Expected to be around EUR300 million in 2026. Net Debt: EUR964 million at the end of the quarter.

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Release Date: April 29, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Wacker Chemie AG (WKCMF) reported a 45% year-over-year increase in EBITDA to EUR173 million, driven by cost savings from the PACE program. The company has successfully implemented cost-saving measures, aiming for annual savings of over EUR300 million by 2028. A new production line for thermally conductive silicones in Japan positions the company well to meet growing demand in the e-mobility sector. The company has adjusted its full-year 2026 sales expectations upwards, anticipating a high single-digit percentage increase. Polysilicon segment continues strong growth in the semiconductor market, supported by a new etching line that strengthens its market position.

Negative Points

Group sales were down 5% year-over-year, primarily due to negative FX effects. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to supply disruptions, driving up raw material and energy prices. Demand in many customer industries remains weak, contributing to macroeconomic uncertainty. The company's full-year outlook is subject to high uncertainty due to geopolitical risks, supply chain issues, and trade policies. The solar segment faces challenges with lower prices and demand, impacting overall performance.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide details on the pre-buying in silicones and polymers, and the impact of price increases and raw material inflation in Q2? A: The pre-buying was broad-based, mainly in Asia, affecting both specialty and standard silicones. Price increases were announced in Q1 but will impact Q2, as raw material inflation has not yet affected costs significantly. We expect more significant impacts in the latter half of the year. (Tobias Ohler, CFO)

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Q: How do you justify the forecasted sales increase in polymers despite a Q1 decline? A: The cost increases and price adjustments will start impacting from Q2. We expect a significant sales increase due to price adjustments, with a playbook in place for different regions. (Tobias Ohler, CFO)

Q: What is the outlook for the Biosolutions segment given the project timing effects in Q1? A: Biosolutions benefited from project timing in Q1, but we expect a step down in Q2. The full-year EBITDA target of around EUR30 million remains appropriate, considering the challenging CMO market and prior cost measures. (Christian Hartel, CEO)

Q: Can you elaborate on the polysilicon market, particularly in Asia and the U.S.? A: Global recalibration towards renewables may increase PV demand, with Southeast Asia likely supplied by China. In the U.S., the 232 decision is pending, affecting customer behavior. Inventory levels are stable, with polysilicon inventories slightly reduced. (Christian Hartel, CEO)

Q: How is the PACE cost-saving program progressing, and what are the expected savings for 2026? A: We target EUR200 million in savings for 2026, with EUR40 million realized in Q1. The savings profile is not linear, with personnel measures expected to impact more in 2027. We are confident in reaching the target. (Tobias Ohler, CFO)

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

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Wacker Chemie logo

Key Points

EBITDA jumped 45% to EUR 173 million in Q1 2026 despite group sales falling 5% to EUR 1.41 billion (mainly FX headwinds), with management crediting the PACE cost program for roughly EUR 40 million of first‑quarter savings. Wacker confirmed full‑year EBITDA guidance of EUR 550–700 million and raised its sales outlook to a high single‑digit increase driven by price rises, but warned Q1 included one‑off pull‑forward effects (~EUR 20m pre‑buying; March sales ~EUR 50m higher) and uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and U.S. trade proceedings. Operationally, silicones and polymers showed sequential recovery and higher EBITDA (silicones EBITDA EUR 117m; polymers EBITDA up 33% y/y) on cost control and late‑quarter pre‑buying, while polysilicon sales and EBITDA stayed down amid weak solar pricing though semiconductor demand remains strong. Interested in Wacker Chemie AG? Here are five stocks we like better.

Wacker Chemie (ETR:WCH) reported what CEO Dr. Christian Hartel described as a “solid start to the year” in the first quarter of 2026, with earnings improving sharply despite weaker demand across many end markets and a year-over-year decline in sales driven largely by currency effects.

Group sales in Q1 2026 were EUR 1.41 billion, down 5% from the prior year, which management attributed “primarily to FX headwinds.” However, EBITDA rose 45% year-over-year to EUR 173 million. Hartel cited the company’s PACE cost program as the main driver, alongside “pull-forward effects from customers” that boosted volumes late in the quarter.

PACE cost program drives earnings improvement

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Hartel said the group has made “good progress” on PACE and benefited from lower spending and costs already in Q1. The company’s goal is to achieve annual savings of more than EUR 300 million in 2028, with efforts centered on reducing fixed manufacturing and administrative costs, lowering technical spend, addressing “over-scoping,” optimizing operating structures, and tightening budgets and discretionary spending. He also highlighted procurement initiatives such as new bidding systems to foster greater supplier competition.

CFO Dr. Tobias Ohler said the company remains at “the beginning of this program,” but is targeting EUR 200 million in savings in 2026. In response to a question from Bank of America’s Matthew Yates, Ohler estimated that Wacker realized roughly EUR 40 million of savings in the first quarter. He added that the savings profile is “not linear,” noting that more impactful personnel measures are expected to take effect later, with headcount reductions in Germany anticipated to have “a major impact starting in 2027” as discussions with the workers’ council continue.

Story Continues

Geopolitics triggers order pull-forward; price hikes announced

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Management linked late-quarter demand strength in silicones and polymers to supply chain concerns after markets reacted “quickly” in mid-March to the conflict in the Middle East. Hartel said supply disruptions drove raw material and energy prices higher, prompting Wacker’s procurement teams to secure critical materials and the company to announce price increases to counter rising costs.

In the Q&A, management characterized the pre-buying as broad-based within silicones and polymers, with the strongest impetus in Asia. The company said March sales ran “sort of EUR 50 million higher than expected,” spanning both segments. Management said the pull-forward did not materially change the product mix, covering both specialty and standard silicones.

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Ohler also cautioned that neither the raw material inflation nor the company’s price increases had meaningfully affected first-quarter results. In response to a Barclays question about potential “windfall gains,” management said the cost impact had not yet hit Q1 and price increases were also not effective in Q1 in most regions, though pricing can adjust more frequently in parts of Asia. Ohler said effects would build through Q2 and the second half of the year.

Segment results: silicones and polymers improve on cost control

Ohler reported that the Chemicals segments collectively delivered EUR 166 million of EBITDA, up from EUR 140 million a year ago, supported by PACE savings, higher gross profit, and lower SG&A, with higher March utilization also contributing.

Silicones: Q1 sales were EUR 708 million, down 5% year-over-year on FX but up 17% quarter-over-quarter due to seasonality. EBITDA rose 13% to EUR 117 million on PACE and higher volumes, with pull-forward demand late in the quarter. Wacker announced price increases to address raw material inflation and updated its 2026 outlook to low single-digit sales growth, while keeping its EBITDA margin view “essentially unchanged” and “slightly above prior year.” Polymers: Sales were EUR 333 million, down 8% year-over-year (FX, softer pricing, and lower volumes) but up 7% sequentially. EBITDA increased 33% year-over-year on cost control and lower raw material costs, with pull-forward improving orders at quarter-end. Wacker updated its 2026 sales outlook to low double-digit growth, driven largely by higher prices from raw material pass-through, partly offset by FX. Management said higher sales would not materially lift absolute EBITDA given inflation. Biosolutions: Sales increased 9% to EUR 100 million due to project timing. EBITDA was EUR 13 million on higher sales and cost management. In Q&A, management said Q1 benefited from projects shifting in from Q4 2025 and others completed early from Q2 2026, and it expects a “step down” in Q2. Full-year guidance was unchanged: high single-digit sales growth and EBITDA around EUR 30 million, with the CDMO market described as challenging. Polysilicon: Q1 sales were EUR 226 million, down 8% year-over-year due to lower solar pricing and continued weak solar demand. Semiconductor-grade demand remained strong, with management saying volumes are growing and the new etching line is performing “very well.” EBITDA was EUR 23 million, with mix and cost performance offsetting higher energy costs.

On polysilicon, management reiterated that its outlook does not assume significant impacts from trade policy changes. Discussing U.S. Section 232 proceedings, the company said the U.S. Department of Commerce filed its report to the president at the end of March and the president has 90 days to make a decision, with customers in a “wait-and-see mood.”

Guidance: EBITDA range maintained; sales outlook raised

Hartel said Wacker is confirming its full-year 2026 EBITDA guidance of EUR 550 million to EUR 700 million while raising its sales expectation. The company now anticipates sales to increase by a high single-digit percentage, reflecting price increases in chemicals intended to counter higher raw material costs. Hartel emphasized that uncertainty remains elevated due to the Middle East conflict and the unresolved U.S. trade proceedings on polysilicon and derivatives.

Ohler added that Q1 benefited from a one-off pull-forward and suggested Q2 could be lower. In response to a BNP Paribas question about April trends, he said the March spike in order entry “has come down now again in April,” returning to January and February levels. He also said Q1 EBITDA included roughly EUR 20 million of pre-buying effects, while Q1 had not yet reflected cost inflation or the company’s pricing measures, and Q2 typically includes maintenance activity.

Below EBITDA, Wacker reported EBIT of EUR 52 million after EUR 120 million of depreciation, and net income of EUR 15 million, equating to EUR 0.21 earnings per share. The company ended the quarter with EUR 1.44 billion in liquidity and net debt of EUR 964 million. Gross cash flow was EUR 77 million, while investing cash flow fell to EUR 109 million from EUR 197 million a year earlier as major investments concluded. Ohler said 2026 CapEx is expected to be about EUR 300 million, down from EUR 466 million last year.

Hartel also highlighted a newly commissioned production line in Japan for thermally conductive silicones, aimed at specialty silicone demand in battery applications for e-mobility. He said the new asset positions the company to serve thermal interface materials used in EV battery packs.

Wacker’s next conference call to discuss second-quarter 2026 results is scheduled for July 30, 2026, according to Head of Investor Relations Joerg Hoffmann.

About Wacker Chemie (ETR:WCH)

Wacker Chemie AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides chemical products worldwide. It operates through four divisions: Wacker Silicones, Wacker Polymers, Wacker Biosolutions, and Wacker Polysilicon. The Wacker Silicones division offers silanes, siloxanes, silicone fluids, silicone emulsions, silicone elastomers, silicone resins, and pyrogenic silica. The Wacker Polymers division provides binders and polymeric additives, such as dispersible polymer powder and vinyl acetate-ethylene dispersions, which are used in construction, paper, adhesive, paint, coating, and basic chemical industries.

The article "Wacker Chemie Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.

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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Sales: EUR5.5 billion for 2025. EBITDA before special items: EUR529 million. Net Income: Minus EUR805 million, impacted by EUR705 million in restructuring provisions and impairments. Restructuring Expenses: Approximately EUR700 million, including EUR103 million for PACE restructuring provision. Liquidity: EUR1.48 billion at year-end 2025. Equity: EUR3.76 billion with an equity ratio of 45%. Silicones Sales: EUR2.73 billion, down 3% year-over-year. Polymers Sales: EUR1.38 billion, down 6% year-over-year. Biosolutions Sales: EUR360 million, down 4% year-over-year. Polysilicon Sales: EUR883 million, down 7% year-over-year. Net Debt: EUR886 million at year-end 2025. CapEx: Expected to be around EUR300 million for 2026. Forecast for 2026: Sales growth in low single-digit percentage; EBITDA between EUR550 million and EUR700 million. Cost Savings Target: EUR300 million annually from the PACE program, with EUR200 million expected in 2026.

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Release Date: March 11, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Wacker Chemie AG (WKCMF) achieved top scores in the latest annual ESG assessments, receiving an A rating in the CDP climate assessment. The company launched the largest cost-cutting project in its history, named PACE, aiming to reduce costs by more than EUR300 million annually. Wacker Chemie AG (WKCMF) expects to achieve EUR200 million in savings from the PACE program by 2026. The company has invested in expanding its global leadership positions, including new silicon production facilities and a biotech center in Munich. Wacker Chemie AG (WKCMF) forecasts modest growth for 2026, with group sales expected to rise by a low single-digit percentage and EBITDA projected to be between EUR550 million to EUR700 million.

Negative Points

Wacker Chemie AG (WKCMF) reported a negative annual result of minus EUR805 million for 2025, impacted by EUR705 million of restructuring provisions and impairments. The company will not distribute a dividend due to the negative financial results. Demand remained weak across many industries, particularly in Europe, due to geopolitical tensions and structural challenges. The company faces overcapacity in many standard chemical products and high energy prices in Europe, reducing competitiveness. Wacker Chemie AG (WKCMF) plans to reduce more than 1,500 positions worldwide, with most reductions at sites in Germany.

Story Continues

Q & A Highlights

Q: In polysilicon, what is the current split between semi-grade and solar grade? How might the Iran conflict impact demand for construction products? A: Christian Hartel, CEO, stated they do not disclose the exact split but noted double-digit growth in semi-grade. The Iran conflict adds macroeconomic uncertainty, affecting energy pricing and consumer demand. It's too early to quantify the impact, but it doesn't add optimism for 2026.

Q: Can you elaborate on the EUR200 million cost savings for 2026 and the outlook for the polysilicon business? A: Christian Hartel explained that the PACE project started in Q4 2025, with measures already in place. Savings will increase throughout the year. Tobias Ohler, CFO, added that non-personnel measures are effective quickly, and personnel measures will progress throughout the year. The polysilicon business expects steady solar volumes with growth driven by the semiconductor side.

Q: What is the capital employed in the Silicones division, and how do you source methanol? A: Tobias Ohler noted they don't disclose capital employed at the segment level but acknowledged significant investment in silicones. Methanol is sourced globally as a commodity, with no major competitive advantage or disadvantage expected. Price impacts from the Middle East conflict are anticipated, but costs are typically passed on to customers.

Q: What would trigger a plant closure in polysilicon, and how has the Silicones business performed early in the year? A: Christian Hartel stated a bad outcome from Section 232 would be limited restrictions on US imports, potentially leading to a plant closure. Tobias Ohler mentioned that silicones sales are below the prior year due to exchange rates and lower standard prices, but cost savings are improving EBITDA.

Q: How is the silicon guidance flat despite lower prices and volumes, and what about polysilicon sales and advanced payments? A: Tobias Ohler clarified that silicones see solid seasonal volume recovery and cost savings. Christian Hartel noted double-digit growth in semiconductor polysilicon and improved cost base despite lower CO2 compensation. Advanced payments fluctuate with contract renewals, but long-term contracts support growth.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

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Wacker Chemie logo

Key Points

Wacker reported full-year 2025 sales of EUR 5.5 billion and EBITDA before special items of ~EUR 529 million but a reported net loss of EUR 805 million after roughly EUR 700–705 million of impairments and restructuring, leading management to propose no dividend. The company launched the companywide cost program PACE targeting >EUR 300 million in annual savings (with EUR 200 million expected in 2026), plans to cut >1,500 positions worldwide, and aims to complete measures by end-2027. For 2026 Wacker forecasts low single-digit sales growth, EBITDA of EUR 550–700 million, about EUR 300 million in capex and materially higher net cash flow; management also flagged strong double-digit growth in semiconductor polysilicon but continued weakness in solar and heightened energy/geo-political uncertainty. Interested in Wacker Chemie AG? Here are five stocks we like better.

Wacker Chemie (ETR:WCH) reported full-year 2025 sales of EUR 5.5 billion and EBITDA before special items of around EUR 529 million, results that management said were in line with the company’s revised guidance from October. Speaking on the company’s full-year results call, CEO Dr. Christian Hartel stressed that while the outcome matched expectations, it “is not where we want to be,” pointing to a reported net loss of EUR 805 million that was heavily affected by restructuring provisions and impairments.

Management said the profit-and-loss statement included about EUR 705 million of restructuring provisions and impairments, and CFO Dr. Tobias Ohler added that around EUR 700 million in impairments, write-offs, and restructuring expenses were booked across the P&L in 2025. As a result of the negative earnings and in line with its dividend policy, Hartel said Wacker will propose to the annual general meeting on May 6 that no dividend be distributed.

Cost program PACE targets more than EUR 300 million in annual savings

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Hartel described the industry backdrop as a difficult mix of cyclical weakness and structural pressure, particularly in Europe. He cited weak demand across many industries, high uncertainty leading customers to delay orders and investments, and structural headwinds including new competitors, overcapacity in standard chemical products, high energy prices, and “excessive regulations” that reduce European competitiveness against the U.S. and Asia.

Against that backdrop, Wacker launched a companywide cost-cutting initiative called PACE in October, which Hartel characterized as the largest cost program in the company’s history. The program’s stated goal is to reduce production and administrative costs by more than EUR 300 million annually, with focus areas including labor productivity, maintenance and engineering, production-related services, and procurement.

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Management said it expects EUR 200 million of savings already in 2026, with all measures defined and implementation underway. The full set of measures is expected to be implemented by the end of 2027. Hartel said headcount reductions are unavoidable, with more than 1,500 positions to be reduced worldwide, “most of them” at German sites.

In the Q&A, management said implementation is progressing, with measures in China described as already finished, “a lot” already done in the U.S., and negotiations with the works council ongoing in Germany. Ohler said non-personnel measures tend to take effect more quickly and that personnel measures would roll through over the year, producing “slight progression” toward the EUR 200 million savings target.

2026 outlook: modest sales growth, EBITDA range of EUR 550 million to EUR 700 million

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For 2026, Wacker forecast low single-digit percentage sales growth and EBITDA of EUR 550 million to EUR 700 million. The company expects capital expenditures of around EUR 300 million, “well below last year,” as major investment projects have been completed and focus shifts to filling capacity. Net cash flow is expected to be positive and “significantly higher” than last year, which management said should reduce net financial debt by year-end.

Hartel and Ohler both flagged heightened uncertainty tied to recent events in the Middle East and volatile energy markets. Hartel said the full-year outlook does not include potential impacts from those developments because they cannot be reliably determined. Ohler added that energy and raw material prices had climbed in the prior week and said Wacker would seek to pass higher costs on to customers “as we have done in the past,” while acknowledging the difficulty in forecasting the impact.

For the first quarter of 2026, management guided to sales of about EUR 1.35 billion and EBITDA of EUR 140 million to EUR 160 million, compared with EUR 119 million a year earlier. Ohler said sales would be pressured by exchange-rate headwinds, while EBITDA should improve year over year due to cost savings.

2025 results reflect major non-cash charges and balance sheet actions

Ohler said reported 2025 EBITDA was EUR 427 million, while EBITDA before restructuring expenses was EUR 529 million, down 29% year over year. He attributed the year’s performance to lower volumes and, in some cases, lower prices, as well as negative currency effects.

Key special items discussed on the call included:

EBIT of -EUR 180 million, including EUR 103 million of restructuring expenses and EUR 102 million of asset impairments A EUR 89 million goodwill impairment in the Biosolutions business A EUR 308 million impairment of Wacker’s stake in Siltronic A EUR 194 million write-off of deferred tax assets in Germany

Ohler emphasized that of the roughly EUR 700 million total charges, about EUR 600 million were non-cash. He described the EUR 103 million restructuring provision for PACE as covering expected costs and said the company does not expect further provisions for the program “in this year.” He also said valuation adjustments taken at the end of 2025 “significantly de-risked” the balance sheet.

Wacker ended 2025 with EUR 1.48 billion of liquidity and EUR 3.76 billion in equity. Ohler said liquidity benefited from working-capital measures, with total working capital investment down 11% year over year, including inventories down EUR 268 million and receivables down EUR 76 million. He noted that these actions “clearly weighed on fourth quarter margins,” particularly in the two chemical divisions.

Liquidity was also supported by a EUR 435 million Schuldschein issuance with 3-, 5-, and 7-year tranches. Despite the net loss, Wacker reported an equity ratio of 45%. The company generated EUR 543 million in gross cash flow, paid a EUR 124 million dividend during 2025, and ended the year with net debt of EUR 886 million.

Segment performance: mixed results, with semiconductors highlighted in polysilicon

Silicones posted 2025 sales of about EUR 2.73 billion, down 3%, with full-year EBITDA of EUR 336 million, 1% below 2024. Ohler cited weak order intake and uncertainty in end markets including automotive, construction, and consumer-related industries such as textiles, alongside intensified imports from Asia into European commodity markets. For 2026, Wacker expects Silicones sales to be at the prior-year level, with cost savings supporting a slightly higher EBITDA margin.

Polymers reported 2025 sales of EUR 1.38 billion, down 6%, and EBITDA of EUR 158 million, down 19%. Management pointed to lower volumes, negative FX effects, and lower average selling prices. Construction-related powders showed small growth, while Western Europe and China remained weak; consumer-related dispersions saw lower demand. For 2026, Wacker again expects sales around the prior-year level and a slightly improved EBITDA margin due to cost savings.

Biosolutions delivered sales of EUR 360 million, down 4%, with EBITDA of EUR 21 million versus EUR 35 million a year earlier. Ohler said soft demand in established products and reductions in BioPharma, alongside low utilization rates, weighed on results; inventory management also hurt fourth-quarter EBITDA. For 2026, Wacker expects high single-digit percentage sales growth and EBITDA of around EUR 30 million.

Polysilicon generated 2025 sales of EUR 883 million, down 7%, with EBITDA of EUR 96 million. Management said low solar demand and very low utilization rates drove the decline, though semiconductor-related (“semi”) business “developed very strongly,” with volumes up by a double-digit percentage year over year. Hartel highlighted a new etching line, describing Wacker as the “undisputed global market and quality leader” for ultrapure semiconductor-grade polysilicon and linking demand to data centers and AI-driven applications. For 2026, Wacker expects polysilicon sales to be low double-digit percentage higher than 2025, while EBITDA is forecast to be around the prior-year level despite higher energy costs due to lower CO2 compensation. Management said higher semi sales and efficiency gains should support earnings.

In Q&A, management declined to disclose a detailed split between semiconductor and solar polysilicon but said Wacker is already selling more semiconductor polysilicon “not only in sales but also in volume,” and it expects double-digit growth in semi again in 2026. On solar, management said the business remains challenging, but Wacker has long-term contracts in 2026 and sees solar as “more on a steady side.” Hartel also tied the future of solar to the outcome of U.S. Section 232, saying that if restrictions are not meaningful, it would be “very clear that solar will not be a continued business” and that Wacker would likely have “one plant too many” on the polysilicon side.

Others posted 2025 EBITDA of -EUR 185 million, including the EUR 103 million PACE restructuring provision booked in the fourth quarter. Excluding that provision, Others EBITDA would have been -EUR 82 million, which management attributed to lower absorption of infrastructure costs and low hydroelectricity output. For 2026, Wacker forecast Others EBITDA of -EUR 50 million, citing continued underutilization of infrastructure.

About Wacker Chemie (ETR:WCH)

Wacker Chemie AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides chemical products worldwide. It operates through four divisions: Wacker Silicones, Wacker Polymers, Wacker Biosolutions, and Wacker Polysilicon. The Wacker Silicones division offers silanes, siloxanes, silicone fluids, silicone emulsions, silicone elastomers, silicone resins, and pyrogenic silica. The Wacker Polymers division provides binders and polymeric additives, such as dispersible polymer powder and vinyl acetate-ethylene dispersions, which are used in construction, paper, adhesive, paint, coating, and basic chemical industries.

The article "Wacker Chemie Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.

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Okay, here's a 600-word summary of the text, followed by a German translation:

Summary (approx. 600 words)

The United States Live Biotherapeutics Market is experiencing rapid growth, driven primarily by advancements in microbiome research and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. By 2030, the market is projected to reach USD 97.91 million, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.96%. This expansion is fueled by innovative therapies targeting conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), C. difficile infections, and metabolic disorders.

Key Drivers of Growth:

• Rising Chronic Disease Prevalence: The dramatic increase in chronic diseases – IBD, IBS, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders – represents the largest market driver. Nearly six in ten adults in the US live with a chronic condition, creating a substantial patient population seeking alternative, long-term solutions beyond traditional pharmaceuticals.
• Microbiome Research Advancements: Scientific understanding of the gut microbiome's role in disease pathogenesis is deepening, positioning live biotherapeutics as a targeted therapeutic approach. These products, containing live microorganisms, aim to restore gut function and modify disease progression.
• Investment and Clinical Evidence: Increasing investment from pharmaceutical companies and growing clinical evidence of efficacy are bolstering market confidence and accelerating development.

Key Market Challenges:

• Regulatory Uncertainty: The most significant obstacle is the evolving regulatory landscape. Live biotherapeutics are novel products, and regulators are still developing clear guidelines, leading to potential delays in approvals and increased compliance costs. Harmonization of standards across regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, etc.) is lacking.
• Complexity of Production: The diversity of microbial strains involved adds complexity to production, quality control, and safety assessment.
• Scale-Up Challenges: Scaling up production from development to commercial manufacturing presents logistical and technological hurdles.

Market Trends:

• Increased Interest in Microbiome Therapies: Pharmaceutical companies and researchers are actively exploring microbiome-based therapeutics.
• CDMO Role: Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) are playing a crucial role in scaling up production and manufacturing these therapies.

Overall Outlook:

Despite the challenges, the long-term outlook for the US Live Biotherapeutics Market is positive. Innovation, continued research, and evolving regulatory frameworks will be critical to unlocking the full potential of this rapidly growing sector. The market is poised to deliver significant advancements in treating chronic diseases and offers substantial investment opportunities.

German Translation (approx. 600 words)

Zusammenfassung des US-Marktes für Live Biotherapeutika

Der US-Markt für Live Biotherapeutika erlebt ein rasantes Wachstum, das vor allem durch Fortschritte in der Mikrobiomforschung und die zunehmende Prävalenz chronischer Krankheiten angetrieben wird. Bis 2030 soll der Markt 97,91 Mrd. USD erreichen und eine durchschnittliche jährliche Wachstumsrate (CAGR) von 13,96 % aufweisen. Dieses Wachstum wird durch innovative Therapien zur Behandlung von Erkrankungen wie entzündlicher Darmerkrankung (IBD), C. difficile-Infektionen und Stoffwechselstörungen angetrieben.

Wichtige Wachstumstreiber:

• Zunehmende Prävalenz chronischer Krankheiten: Der dramatische Anstieg chronischer Krankheiten – IBD, IBS, Diabetes, Fettleibigkeit, Autoimmunerkrankungen – stellt den größten Wachstumstreiber dar. Nahe sechs von zehn Erwachsenen in den USA leben mit einer chronischen Erkrankung, was eine erhebliche Patientenschaft schafft, die nach alternativen, langfristigen Lösungen sucht, die über herkömmliche Pharmazeutika hinausgehen.
• Fortschritte in der Mikrobiomforschung: Das wissenschaftliche Verständnis der Rolle des Darmsichthabitats bei der Pathogenese von Krankheiten vertieft und Live-Biotherapeutika als gezielte therapeutische Strategie positioniert. Diese Produkte, die lebende Mikroorganismen enthalten, zielen darauf ab, die Darmfunktion wiederherzustellen und den Krankheitsverlauf zu modifizieren.
• Investitionen und klinische Evidenz: Steigende Investitionen von Pharmaunternehmen und wachsende klinische Evidenz für Wirksamkeit stärken das Vertrauen in den Markt und beschleunigen die Entwicklung.

Wichtige Marktschwierigkeiten:

• Regulatorische Unsicherheit: Die größte Herausforderung ist das sich entwickelnde regulatorisches Umfeld. Live-Biotherapeutika sind neue Produkte, und die Regulierungsbehörden entwickeln immer noch klare Richtlinien, was zu potenziellen Verzögerungen bei Genehmigungen und höheren Compliance-Kosten führen kann. Die Harmonisierung von Standards zwischen den Regulierungsbehörden (FDA, EMA usw.) ist unzureichend.
• Komplexität der Produktion: Die Vielfalt der beteiligten Mikroorganismen erhöht die Komplexität der Produktion, Qualitätskontrolle und Sicherheitsbewertung.
• Skalierungsprobleme: Die Skalierung der Produktion von der Entwicklung bis zur kommerziellen Herstellung stellt logistische und technologische Herausforderungen dar.

Markttrends:

• Zunehmendes Interesse an Mikrobiomtherapien: Pharmaunternehmen und Forscher erkunden zunehmend mikrobiombasierte Therapien.
• Rolle von CDMOs: Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) spielen eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Skalierung der Produktion und Herstellung dieser Therapien.

Gesamtzusammenfassung:

Trotz der Herausforderungen ist die langfristige Aussicht auf den US-Markt für Live-Biotherapeutika positiv. Innovationen, kontinuierliche Forschung und sich entwickelnde regulatorische Rahmenbedingungen werden entscheidend sein, um das volle Potenzial dieses schnell wachsenden Sektors freizusetzen. Der Markt ist bereit, bedeutende Fortschritte bei der Behandlung chronischer Krankheiten zu liefern und bietet erhebliche Investitionsmöglichkeiten.

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