SGL Carbon announced its half-year 2025 results, posting consolidated sales of €453.2 million, a 15.8% decline compared to the same period in 2024 (€538.0 million). The downturn was primarily driven by weak demand in the semiconductor segment within its Graphite Solutions (GS) business unit, compounded by global trade uncertainties and slowing industrial activity.
Despite the decline, restructuring efforts in the Carbon Fibers (CF) unit are showing early signs of success, with adjusted EBITDA turning positive for the first time in several quarters.
- Graphite Solutions (GS): Sales dropped 22.2% to €221.0 million, heavily impacted by reduced semiconductor orders. Adjusted EBITDA fell to €40.8 million (H1 2024: €72.2 million), with margins down to 18.5%. - Process Technology (PT): Sales rose slightly to €70.2 million, with adjusted EBITDA improving to €19.9 million and margins climbing to 28.3%. - Carbon Fibers (CF): Sales declined 15.1% to €93.5 million following the exit from unprofitable precursor and acrylic fiber operations. However, adjusted EBITDA rebounded to €5.2 million (H1 2024: €4.4 million), reflecting the benefits of restructuring. - Composite Solutions (CS): Sales fell by 11.7% to €59.1 million amid weaker automotive demand, with adjusted EBITDA slipping to €5.4 million.
At the Group level, adjusted EBITDA decreased by 16.2% to €72.5 million, maintaining a stable margin of 16.0%. EBIT fell sharply to €3.2 million (H1 2024: €55.9 million), weighed down by restructuring charges of €47.0 million.
Looking ahead, SGL Carbon has revised its full-year 2025 sales outlook to a 10-15% decline year-on-year, citing persistent weakness in semiconductor markets and rising trade barriers. However, the company reaffirmed its adjusted EBITDA forecast of €130-150 million, supported by cost savings and improved profitability in Carbon Fibers.
CEO Andreas Klein noted that while semiconductor demand remains subdued, the company's restructuring measures are gaining traction, with the Carbon Fibers turnaround demonstrating an ability to improve profitability despite market headwinds.
Source: www.sglcarbon.com
