Brenntag reports lower-than-expected Q2 2025 results amid market and currency pressures

Essen, Germany – Brenntag has reported second-quarter 2025 financial results that fell short of expectations, citing persistent market challenges and adverse currency exchange developments.

The company’s operating gross profit declined by 1.9% year-over-year to €974.3 million, while operating EBITA dropped 13.9% to €246.4 million. Brenntag attributed the weaker performance to reduced demand across its divisions and increased pricing pressure in several end markets.

Brenntag Specialties posted a 3.3% decline in operating gross profit, totaling €278.2 million. Brenntag Essentials saw a 1.3% decrease, reaching €696.1 million. Despite these setbacks, the company noted progress in its cost containment efforts and strategic initiatives.

Currency fluctuations, particularly the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the euro, further impacted earnings. In response to these pressures, Brenntag revised its full-year operating EBITA guidance to a range of €950 million to €1,050 million, down from the previous forecast of €1.10 billion to €1.30 billion.

CEO Christian Kohlpaintner acknowledged the difficult global conditions affecting the chemical industry and Brenntag’s customer markets. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to executing its strategic plans and maintaining cost discipline as it navigates the remainder of the year.