Arkema: Strong Performance in 2024, Driven by Specialty Materials Growth and Strategic Acquisitions

Arkema, a global specialty chemicals and advanced materials company, reported solid financial results for the full year 2024, reflecting the Group's resilience and capacity to adapt in a challenging macroeconomic environment. The company's EBITDA was slightly up at €1.53 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 16.1%. Sales of €9.5 billion remained stable compared with 2023, with volumes up 2.4% driven by growth in Specialty Materials in Asia and more favorable volume dynamics in certain markets such as sports, packaging, batteries, and energy.



Key drivers behind Arkema's strong performance in 2024 included:

1. Significant growth in Adhesive Solutions and High Performance Polymers: The company's Adhesive Solutions segment experienced robust growth, while High Performance Polymers also contributed positively to the overall financial performance. This growth was driven by the acquisition of Dow's flexible packaging laminating adhesives business, which was finalized on 2 December 2024. This acquisition allowed Arkema to expand its portfolio of high-value-added technologies in the adhesives market and strengthen its position in the growing flexible packaging market.
2. Contrasting trends between regions: Arkema witnessed very strong growth in Asia, a relative stability in North America, and a decline in Europe. This regional diversity contributed to the company's overall performance and resilience in the face of varying market conditions.
3. Continued progress of CSR indicators: Arkema made significant strides in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, leading the Group to strengthen several 2030 targets, notably relating to Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. This progress further enhanced the company's reputation and commitment to sustainability.

Arkema's Chairman and CEO, Thierry Le Hénaff, highlighted the company's solid financial performance in 2024 and its continued implementation of an innovation strategy for more sustainable solutions and the execution of large-scale projects in Asia and North America. He also emphasized the progress made in terms of CSR and the finalization of the acquisition of Dow's flexible packaging adhesives business.

Looking ahead to 2025, Arkema aims for its EBITDA to grow and reach between €1.53 billion and €1.67 billion, supported by a significant additional contribution from its major projects in Specialty Materials of around €100 million EBITDA compared to 2024. The Group also plans to strongly increase its recurring cash flow to around 600 million euros in 2025.

In conclusion, Arkema's strong performance in 2024 was driven by the growth of its Specialty Materials segment, particularly in Asia, and strategic acquisitions such as the acquisition of Dow's flexible packaging laminating adhesives business. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation, as well as its balanced geographical footprint, contributed to its overall success. As Arkema looks to the future, investors can expect the company to continue its growth trajectory and deliver on its strategic objectives.