Wacker Chemie Sales Hit EUR 1.52B as Demand Lags

Wacker Chemie AG reported second-quarter sales of EUR 1.52 billion. Chief Executive Christian Hartel told analysts on a July 30 call that the chemical group faced a persistent market drag. Demand was subdued in most end markets, Hartel said. Geopolitical tensions are adding volatility to energy, raw material and logistics costs.

Management is focusing on internal measures. Hartel said the company is working to improve competitiveness and operating performance. Financial discipline is the priority.

CFO Tobias Ohler joined Hartel in answering questions. The call drew analysts from JPMorgan, Barclays, Berenberg and Deutsche Bank.