Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

SGL Carbon: Business development in the first half of 2025 and outlook for the remaining year

07/08/2025

Increasing uncertainty about the future development of global trade, tariff increases between the US and Europe, and weak demand in some of our markets are weighing on SGL Carbons sales and earnings performance. On the other hand, the restructuring of SGLs Carbon Fibers business unit is showing initial signs of success. After six months of fiscal 2025, SGL Carbon generated sales of 453.2 million, down 15.8% on the previous year (H1 2024: 538.0 million).

The decline in sales within the Group is primarily attributable to negative volume effects, while currency and price effects played only a minor role. In particular, the continuing weak demand from our semiconductor customers in the Graphite Solutions business unit weighed on sales development. Furthermore, the Carbon Fibers business unit reported lower sales as a result of the discontinuation of unprofitable business activities as part of the restructuring.

The cost savings resulting from the restructuring of Carbon Fibers and a slight improvement in adjusted EBITDA in the Process Technology business unit were unable to offset the shortfall in earnings contributions from the decline in the high-margin semiconductor business. Adjusted EBITDA, an important key figure for the Group, decreased by 16.2% compared to the first half of 2024 to 72.5 million (H1 2024: 86.5 million). The adjusted EBITDA margin remained almost unchanged at 16.0% compared to the previous year (H1 2024: 16.1%).

Taking into account depreciation and amortization of 25.8 million (H1 2024: 27.0 million) and non-recurring and special items of minus 49.9 million (H1 2024: 3.6 million), EBIT for the first half of 2025 amounted to 3.2 million (H1 2024: 55.9 million). The non-recurring and special items result in particular from restructuring expenses of 47.0 million.

Development of the business unitsThe Graphite Solutions (GS) business unit reported sales of 221.0 million in the first half of 2025, down 22.2% on the same period of the previous year (H1 2024: 284.2 million). This significant decline in sales is primarily attributable to lower demand in the Semiconductor & LED market segment, which saw a significant drop in sales of 63.4 million to 78.4 million (H1 2024: 141.8 million).

Our customers demand for special graphite components for the semiconductor industry is a key driver of sales and earnings for the entire SGL Carbon business. As expected, demand was weak in the first half of 2025 due to continued high inventory levels at our customers. In addition, Western electric vehicle manufacturers in particular postponed market launches of new vehicle models with SiC semiconductor structures. We generally expect demand to pick up again once our customers have reduced their inventories, but it will continue to be driven by electric vehicle sales figures in the future, explains Andreas Klein, CEO of SGL Carbon and head of the GS business unit.

The significant decline in sales in the high-margin business with our silicon carbide semiconductor customers had a negative impact on GSs adjusted EBITDA. Compared to the same period last year, GSs adjusted EBITDA decreased to 40.8 million (H1 2024: 72.2 million). Measures initiated to reduce personnel and energy costs only partially offset the volume-related decline. The adjusted EBITDA margin decreased significantly to 18.5% in a six-month comparison (H1 2024: 25.4%).

With sales of 70.2 million, slightly up on the same period of the previous year (H1 2024: 69.9 million), the Process Technology (PT) business unit confirmed the stability of its business activities. PT benefited in particular from its global customer base, especially in the first quarter of 2025. The completion of several major projects was also reflected in adjusted EBITDA. This increased from 16.0 million in the same period of the previous year to 19.9 million. Higher capacity utilization and positive cost effects for raw materials led to an improvement in the adjusted EBITDA margin from 22.9% in the first half of 2024 to 28.3% in the first half of 2025.

The restructuring announced in February 2025 showed initial success in the first half of 2025, with positive adjusted EBITDA for the Carbon Fibers (CF) business unit. The discontinuation of loss-making business activities resulted in a 15.1% decline in sales to 93.5 million (H1 2024: 110.1 million) but also led to an increase in adjusted EBITDA for CF from minus 4.4 million to 5.2 million year-on-year.

As part of the CF restructuring, production at our site in Lavradio (Portugal), which mainly produced acrylic fibers and precursors for carbon fibers, was closed down. Production and consequently also our business activities in the acrylic fibers and precursors product areas were completely discontinued at the end of June 2025. CF will focus in future on profitable products with greater differentiation from the international competition, said Dr. Stephan B hler, member of the Executive Board responsible for this area.

It should be noted that the adjusted EBITDA of the CF business unit includes an earnings contribution of 4.7 million from its equity-accounted joint venture BSCCB (H1 2024: 7.9 million). The decline in BSCCBs earnings contribution is due to the costs of expanding production capacity and volatile demand from automotive customers. Excluding the earnings contribution of the equity-accounted BSCCB, adjusted EBITDA for CF would have been 0.5 million (H1 2024: minus 12.3 million).

The Composite Solutions (CS) business unit was also unable to avoid the increasing uncertainty in the automotive industry about future growth prospects. CS sales declined by 11.7% to 59.1 million in the first half of 2025 (H1 2024: 66.9 million). It should be noted that the first six months of the previous year still included sales from a contract with an automotive customer that expired in the
LINK: https://www.sglcarbon.com/en/newsroom/news/press-report/business-devel...
See more stories from sgl

Europe Stories

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

09/10/2026

Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026

September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026 New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

21/09/2026

iDrumTune from RT60

Drum-tuning app now available on Android RT60 describe their iDrumTune app as the world's most advanced, accurate and intelligent system for assisting ...

21/09/2026

SoundGhost release Orbit

Innovative multiband auto-panner introduced SoundGhost's latest plug-in takes an innovative approach to auto-panning, and divides incoming signals into ...

21/09/2026

Apple Mac Studio With M5 Max: First Impressions

We check out the M5 Max-equipped model The same, but different. The new Mac Studio models feature M5 Max and M5 Ultra silicon, dramatically improving the perf...

21/09/2026

RT celebrates Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2026

RT celebrates Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2026 Special programmes across RT television, radio and online, plus special initiatives #ISL #IDSL #IWDP26...

20/09/2026

Casio Sessions returns for 2026

Piano-playing singer-songwriter competition returns for fourth year Casio have officially revealed the list of 16 finalists who have earned their place in t...

19/09/2026

ART Pro Audio reveal the RPC Series

Three new rackmount power conditioners introduced Yorkville Sound have announce the upcoming launch of three new RPC rackmount power conditioners from ART P...

19/09/2026

Colorfront Elevates Workflow Versatility at IBC 2026

September 15, 2026 AMSTERDAM, SEPTEMBER 2026 - Colorfront (colorfront.com), the Academy and Emmy Award-winning developer of high-performance cinema mastering, ...

18/09/2026

ReSing Voices Vol 2 from IK Multimedia

10 new voice models join line-up The latest expansion for IK Multimedia's AI-powered vocal-modelling software has arrived, delivering a set of 10 new vo...

18/09/2026

Museum of Synthesizers present the Arturia World Tour

A day of hands-on synthesis, sound design & performance On Saturday 26 September 2026, The Museum of Synthesisers will be hosting a full day of hands-on syn...

18/09/2026

AgileTV wraps up IBC 2026 with two industry awards

AgileTV has successfully wrapped up its participation at IBC 2026 in Amsterdam, following four days of conversations with customers, partners and industry profe...

18/09/2026

aconnic AG invites to a Virtual Investor Conference

aconnic AG (ISIN: DE000A0LBKW6), Munich, invites its shareholders and investors to a Virtual Investor Conference on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, at 11.00 am. ...

18/09/2026

The new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 now available to buy on Sky Mobiles award-winning network

Friday 18 September 2026 The new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch ...

17/09/2026

Image-Line & Antares reveal AutoTune Go

Popular DAW gains free pitch-correction tool Image-Line have teamed up with Antares to kit their popular DAW software out with a built-in pitch-correction p...

17/09/2026

Gibson & Baggs unveil HiFi DNA pickup

Promises unprecedented realism, dynamic nuance and clarity Gibson have teamed up with acoustic pickup experts Baggs, creating a next-generation' pickup...

17/09/2026

VSL introduce Synchron Cimbalom & World Percussion II

Two new libraries join percussion line-up VSL (Vienna Symphonic Library) have just launched two new libraries that bring some intriguing new instruments int...

17/09/2026

Arturia update the MiniFreak

Hardware & plug-in versions gain new features Arturia have just released a free update that brings some significant new features to their MiniFreak synthesi...

17/09/2026

5 Reasons to Join Calrec at IBC

Calrec brings leading audio solutions and long-term business value to IBC 2026 We're looking forward to meeting up with you all on 11-14th September in Amst...

17/09/2026

Donncha O'Callaghan competes for Ireland again in new RT adventure series

Donncha's Away Games starts this Sunday on RT One and RT Player Irish rugby legend Donncha O'Callaghan pairs up with a host of celebrities to take on...

17/09/2026

New series of Aistear an Amhrin shares extraordinary stories behind Ireland's best-loved songs

New series of Aistear an Amhr in shares extraordinary stories behind Ireland'...

17/09/2026

The Late Late Show is back! Guests include Liam Neeson, Siobhn McSweeney and the All-Ireland-winning Mayo team

The Late Late Show is back! Liam Neeson, Siobh n McSweeney, Caitr ona Balfe a...

17/09/2026

The Neighbours Effect: Gen Z Brings Back Big Hair, Double Denim and 80s soap style

The Neighbours Effect: Gen Z Brings Back Big Hair, Double Denim and 80s soap sty...

17/09/2026

Official trailer released for Sky Original WAR

The bold, new legal drama starring Dominic West and Sienna Miller launches on Sky and NOW on 2nd OctThursday 17 September 2026 Official trailer released for Sk...

17/09/2026

AI safety needs more than rules. It needs evidence

Every week we read headlines about new threats from AI. From taking over jobs to disrupting critical infrastructure, spreading misinformation or even destroying...

17/09/2026

Arqiva selected by SANZAAR to deliver global distribution of 2026 international rugby programme

Arqiva selected by SANZAAR to deliver global distribution of 2026 international ...

17/09/2026

Widow\u2019s Bay triumphs as most decorated freshman comedy in Emmy history - PRESS RELEASE - Posted on 15 September 2026

CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA This evening at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, Apple TV...

17/09/2026

RT Statement: 2027 Eurovision Song Contest

RT Statement: RT is today confirming that its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged. RT will not participate in...

16/09/2026

Wavea release Flite V2

Powerful soft synth receives free update Wavea have just launched a new and improved version of their feature-packed soft synth, kitting it out with over 20...

16/09/2026

Modartt launch Airteq

Physical-modelling experts launch pipe-based instrument Modartt are well known for their impressive Pianoteq and Organteq offerings, and now, they've pu...

16/09/2026

FL Studio & Antares launch AutoTune Go

Popular DAW gains free pitch-correction tool Image-Line have teamed up with Antares to kit their popular DAW software out with a built-in pitch-correction p...

16/09/2026

Microwave Factory and Rohde & Schwarz enable automated SAR measurements with CMX500 support in MATEOS

Microwave Factory and Rohde & Schwarz enable automated SAR measurements with CMX...

16/09/2026

Rohde & Schwarz launches new security scanner for large events at Security Expo 2026

Rohde & Schwarz launches new security scanner for large events at Security Expo ...

16/09/2026

Red Seat Ventures Announces Exclusive Partnership with Caleb Hammer's Financial Audit

Red Seat Ventures Announces Exclusive Partnership with Caleb Hammer's Financ...

16/09/2026

Garda whistleblowers come forward to RT Investigates from inside the Garda Protect Disclosures Office

Garda whistleblowers come forward to RT Investigates from inside the Garda Pr...

15/09/2026

Audient unveil flagship Horizon interfaces

New Thunderbolt audio interfaces aimed at pro studios Audient's latest announcement sees the company introduce three new high-end audio interfaces desig...

15/09/2026

Sennheiser launch the Spectera SKM handheld

Completes core wireless system line-up The latest addition to Sennheiser's Spectera range is now shipping, completing the core elements of the company&#...

15/09/2026

Schwabe Digital reveal HiFAL 2

High-frequency dynamics plug-in upgraded Schwabe Digital have just released a major free update for their acclaimed high-frequency dynamics processing plug-...

15/09/2026

LUNA 3.0 & UAD Spark Studio from Universal Audio

DAW update launched alongside all-in-one subscription bundle The latest version of Universal Audio's DAW software has just arrived, and has been release...

15/09/2026

Rupert Neve Designs introduce three plug-ins

Three popular hardware units go virtual Rupert Neve Designs are entering the software market in style, with not one, but three of their sought-after hardwar...

15/09/2026

Argo M Powers Cloudbass' Next Generation OB Fleet

When longstanding OB specialist Cloudbass made the decision to expand its fleet to accommodate remote production facilities for a leading UK sports broadcaster&...

15/09/2026

SES and Elveo Mobile Deepen Collaboration to Advance Direct-to-Device Services in Europe

LUXEMBOURG and WASHINGTON, September 15, 2026 - SES, a global leader in space so...

15/09/2026

DPA's 6388 wins Best of Show Award at IBC2026

Unveiled at IBC2026 in Amsterdam, the 6388 delivers DPAs signature natural, authentic sound, with outstanding feedback rejection and exceptional speech intellig...

15/09/2026

Red Seat Ventures' Supercast Launches Live Streaming, Bringing Real-Time Video and Community to Subscribers

Red Seat Ventures' Supercast Launches Live Streaming, Bringing Real-Time Vid...

15/09/2026

Arqiva recognised with Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award

Arqiva recognised with Armed Forces Covenant Silver AwardPresented to organisations that demonstrate outstanding support for the Armed Forces community -- Sh...

14/09/2026

Sony expand WH headphone line-up

Three new models introduced Sony have just announced the launch of three new pairs of headphones that span their premium, mid-range and entry-level line-ups...

14/09/2026

Audient unveil Horizon interfaces

New flagship Thunderbolt units aimed at pro studios Audient's latest announcement sees the company introduce three new high-end audio interfaces designe...

14/09/2026

Inside DPA's N-Series at IBC2026: Wireless audio without compromise

At IBC2026, Ren M rch explains how the N-Series combines DPA's renowned microphone technology with a high-performance wireless platform, offering a wide tu...

14/09/2026

Award-winning network Sky Mobile to Offer iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5

Monday 14 September 2026 Award-winning network Sky Mobile to Offer iPhone Duo, ...