Arkema raises its forecasts, despite falling net profit

The French chemist's turnover increased by 31,4%, to 6 billion euros, compared to the first half of 2021, the group said in a press release, despite a 5,3% drop in volumes in the second. quarter because of a "slowdown observed in Europe, particularly in the construction and automotive markets".

This decrease is offset by a "price effect (which) stands at +28,5%, mainly reflecting the increases in selling prices to adapt to the very sharp increase in raw materials, energy and transport “, specifies the group to the 20.600 employees, citing “the still strongly inflationary context”.

The net profit of Arkema, which has ten factories in France, fell to 730 million euros over the semester.

However, the CEO of Arkema Thierry Le Henaff, quoted in the press release, boasts of an "excellent performance" and the group is confident in the future despite a context nevertheless "marked by the risks of confinement in China, geopolitical tensions related to the war in Ukraine, fears regarding the availability and price of natural gas and electricity in Europe", thanks to its "balanced geographical presence".

So much so that “despite the uncertain macroeconomic environment and the observed decline in volumes in Europe”, the world number three in industrial adhesives has raised its annual objectives and is now aiming for 2022, “excluding new significant disruption in the global context”, a growth from 17% to 22% of its gross operating surplus Ebitda, against a "slight increase" previously announced.

The French chemical group also recalled its new climate commitments published in early July: it undertakes to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1, 2 and 3) by 46% by 2030, compared to 2019.