IMCD NV

AEX:IMCD

Results: IMCD said first-half gross profit rose to EUR 658 million, EBITA to EUR 285 million, and free cash flow to EUR 222 million, with cash conversion at 76.2%.

Demand: Management said demand improved in Q2 after a soft Q1, with only limited prebuying and no major pullback seen so far in Q3.

Pricing: Price increases were broad-based across suppliers, but the biggest percentage hikes were in smaller semi-specialty and semi-commodity products, not the core specialty portfolio.

Regions: EMEA was the strongest and most stable region, while the Americas were better in Q2 but still held back by weak U.S. coatings and construction demand.

Costs: The company said cost control remained tight, with the cost base roughly flat versus last year and positive operating leverage returning in Q2.

M&A: IMCD completed three small acquisitions in H1 and said its deal pipeline remains healthy, though transactions are taking longer in the current market.