WACKER Chemie reports €805M net loss amid restructuring and energy cost pressures
WACKER Chemie has reported a sharp decline in financial performance for 2025. The company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) dropped by 43% to €427 million, while total revenue fell 4% to €5.49 billion. A net loss of –€805 million was recorded, largely due to special charges and write-downs amounting to around €600 million.
The decline in revenue and profitability stemmed from several challenges. Lower sales volumes, reduced prices, and underused production capacity all played a role. Persistently high energy costs in Germany further weighed on the company's financials.
In response, WACKER launched its largest cost-cutting programme, PACE, in October 2025. The initiative aims to slash annual expenses by over €300 million, targeting production and administration. As part of this effort, more than 1,500 jobs will be cut worldwide, with most reductions affecting Germany.
Despite the financial setbacks, the company has strengthened its position in the polysilicon market over the past three years. By expanding capacity in Nünchritz and improving high-purity production, WACKER increased its global market share to around 25–30% by 2025. This growth outpaced competitors like Tokuyama Corporation, which faced challenges in Japan, and Hemlock Semiconductor, which scaled back output due to U.S. supply chain shifts.
Looking ahead, WACKER expects revenue of roughly €1.35 billion in the first quarter of 2026, below the previous year's figure. Negative currency effects are the primary cause. For the full year, the company forecasts low single-digit revenue growth and EBITDA between €550 million and €700 million.
To secure long-term stability, the company is shifting focus toward specialty products, semiconductor markets, and biotech innovations. However, due to the net loss, the Executive and Supervisory Boards will propose skipping dividend payments for 2025 at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
WACKER Chemie's 2025 results highlight significant financial pressures, including lower sales, high energy costs, and restructuring expenses. The PACE programme aims to reduce costs and streamline operations, while the company's strategic focus on specialty chemicals and semiconductors targets future growth. No dividend will be issued for the year, reflecting the current financial challenges.
