Braskem reported consolidated EBITDA of US$1.043 billion (R$5.253 billion) for the second quarter of 2026, as stronger chemical and petrochemical spreads in international markets and commercial gains boosted the company's performance.

 

Net income reached US$664 million (R$3.3 billion), up from the first quarter, driven primarily by stronger gross profit as international spreads widened.

 

"During the second quarter, the global macroeconomic environment remained volatile due to the conflict in the Middle East, which restricted the global supply of feedstocks, particularly in Asia. As a result, this combination of factors increased international oil and naphtha prices, our main feedstock," said Carlos Brandão, Braskem's CFO. 

 

"As production costs for the marginal producer in Asia increased, resin and chemical prices improved compared to the first quarter, resulting in wider spreads," he added.

 

But the stronger earnings came alongside a modest cash drain. Braskem consumed approximately US$15 million in net cash during the quarter, largely due to negative working-capital movements caused by sharp swings in international feedstock prices and higher inventory levels.

 

Braskem's gross corporate debt stood at US$10.4 billion as of June 30. Adjusted net debt rose 3% from the previous quarter to US$9.5 billion, while corporate leverage reached 6.74x net debt/EBITDA.

 

The company is also pressing ahead with talks over its capital structure.

 

During the quarter, Braskem and its advisers continued negotiations with creditors and their legal and financial advisers, receiving purely indicative and non-binding proposals from creditor groups covering key terms and tentative parameters for a potential restructuring.

 

The company said it remains committed to reaching a consensual, comprehensive and orderly solution while maintaining business continuity.

 

Following changes in its ownership structure and governance during the quarter, Braskem reviewed its priorities for the second half of 2026, putting greater emphasis on resilience, competitiveness and sustainable value creation.

 

"The strategic agenda will focus on optimizing the company's capital structure, including Braskem Idesa, preserving liquidity, strengthening cash generation and ensuring greater financial flexibility to support future growth," said Hélcio Tokeshi, Braskem's CEO.

 

The company said it will also target operational excellence, efficiency gains, synergies with Petrobras and initiatives designed to improve profitability. Braskem plans to accelerate its Transformation Program, including completing the mapping of value-creation opportunities and capturing identified benefits to support more consistent results in both the short and long term.

 

The company will continue to push for a more competitive environment for Brazil's chemical and petrochemical industries.

 

"These priorities are supported by commitments that remain non-negotiable for the company, including compliance with agreements related to the Alagoas Case and maintaining safety as a non-negotiable value, ensuring reliable, safe operations aligned with the highest operational excellence standards," added Hélcio Tokeshi.