German specialty chemicals group LANXESS achieved growth in both sales and earnings during the third quarter of 2026, successfully navigating an ongoing weak economic environment and heightened geopolitical volatility. Total sales climbed 9.6% year-over-year to €1.467 billion, up from €1.338 billion in Q3 2025.Operating jump-started with EBITDA pre exceptionals increasing 11.2% to €139 million, compared to €125 million in the prior-year period. The corresponding EBITDA margin pre exceptionals rose slightly to 9.5%, improving from 9.3% in the same quarter last year.

The increase in sales was driven primarily by price increases to pass on higher raw material and energy costs. Improved demand in individual business segments, as well as cost-saving measures, had a positive impact on earnings.

Free cash flow also improved significantly, rising from negative €14 million in the third quarter of 2025 to positive €48 million. The main drivers were the company’s operating performance and the successful cost-saving measures.

“In the third quarter, we posted growth despite all the headwinds. However, many of our core markets are still not experiencing a broad and sustained recovery in demand. This is particularly true for the agrochemicals, automotive, and construction industries. Nevertheless, our efforts to reduce costs are paying off and are supporting our earnings development,” said Matthias Zachert, CEO of LANXESS.

For the full year of 2026, the Group is specifying its guidance and now expects EBITDA pre exceptionals to be at the upper end of the range of €450 to 500 million. The Group also expects continued positive free cash flow for the fourth quarter.