Elementis has delivered a solid start to 2026, reporting higher revenue, stronger profitability and continued margin expansion in its first-quarter trading update, while keeping full-year expectations unchanged. 

The global specialty chemicals major said Group revenue rose around 2% organically in the three months to 31 March 2026, supported by pricing actions and ongoing cost discipline. Adjusted operating profit and margins rose strongly year-on-year, reflecting continued progress from its self-help initiatives. 

In Personal Care, revenue edged up slightly year-on-year, with improved pricing and product mix offsetting softer demand in the Americas. Margins were broadly flat compared with the same period last year. 

The company said integration of Alchemy is advancing in line with expectations, adding that customer interest in its products has been encouraging. 

Coatings delivered “good revenue growth” on an organic basis, driven by stronger volumes in Asia that more than offset weakness in the Americas. The Energy business also continued its strong run, benefiting from operational improvements at the St. Louis facility in the US. Margins in both segments rose significantly year-on-year, driven by cost savings and volume gains. 

Elementis said the Middle East conflict had no material impact on first-quarter results, with direct exposure below 2% of annual revenue. The company also noted it has implemented pricing measures to offset higher input costs and expects to fully neutralise inflationary pressure. 

Cash generation was in line with expectations. 

On portfolio changes, Elementis confirmed continued progress on the sale of its pharma manufacturing business to Associated British Foods, with completion expected in Q2 2026 pending regulatory approval. Net proceeds are expected to be returned to shareholders after completion. 

CEO Luc van Ravenstein said: "We delivered a strong performance this quarter with higher revenue and profitability, better than management expectations as Elevate Elementis delivers ahead of plan.  

"However, we are mindful of the uncertainty arising from the geopolitical and macroeconomic backdrop, and therefore our current outlook for the full year 2026 remains unchanged. Our performance underscores the strength, resilience and differentiated nature of our business model, our local-for-local model, as well as the positive momentum behind our strategy.”