Finance
Solvay sees slightly lower 2026 earnings after in-line quarterly result
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Solvay reported Q4 core profit in line with expectations. Underlying EBITDA was €169m, just shy of the €170m Vara Research consensus, as markets stayed soft amid geopolitical uncertainty.
By Olivier Cherfan
Feb 24 (Reuters) - Solvay expects 2026 earnings to be slightly below last year's, the Belgian chemicals group said on Tuesday, after its fourth-quarter core profit met analysts' expectations in a persistently soft market.
The group said its underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were 169 million euros ($199 million) in the quarter, below last year's number but broadly in line with analysts' forecast of 170 million euros in a consensus compiled by Vara Research.
For 2026, it sees underlying EBITDA of 770 million to 850 million euros, versus 881 million euros last year.
It also expects free cash flow of at least 200 million euros and cumulative structural cost savings of around 300 million euros. Geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds will persist and weigh on end-market demand, along with competitive pricing pressure in certain divisions, it added.
"In the short term, transformation expenses are impacting our performance, but they are necessary in our journey to build the Solvay of the future," CEO Philippe Kehren said in a press release.
Solvay said on Monday it would cut soda ash capacity at its Torrelavega plant in Spain to 420 kilotons from 600 kt from the third quarter of this year, a move that will result in up to 77 job cuts, citing oversupply and high European energy and carbon costs.
Solvay proposed a total gross dividend of 2.43 euros per share, subject to approval at the May annual general meeting, with a final 1.46 euros per share payable on May 20. It paid a 0.97 euro interim dividend in January.
($1 = 0.8497 euros)
(Reporting by Olivier Cherfan in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
Key Takeaways
- •Solvay’s fourth-quarter core profit was broadly in line with expectations.
- •Underlying EBITDA totaled €169 million versus a €170 million consensus by Vara Research.
- •Results were below last year’s quarter amid persistent market softness.
- •Management cited ongoing geopolitical uncertainty as a headwind.
- •Report sourced from Reuters on Feb 24, with $1 = 0.8497 euros reference.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solvay sees slightly lower 2026 earnings after in-line quarterly result
1What is the main topic?
Solvay’s fourth-quarter core profit performance, which was broadly in line with analyst expectations despite weak markets and geopolitical uncertainty.
2How did Solvay’s Q4 results compare with forecasts?
Underlying EBITDA came in at €169 million, essentially matching the €170 million analyst consensus compiled by Vara Research.
3How does this compare to last year’s quarter?
Core profit was below last year’s level, reflecting softer demand conditions across key markets.
