UMICORE S.A.

Umicore has raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to slightly above €1 billion following a strong first half. Revenues excluding metals reached €1.9 billion, up 7.1% year-on-year, while adjusted EBITDA rose 33.5% to €577 million and adjusted net profit more than doubled to €273 million. The company cited higher activity levels, efficiency gains, and a favorable metal price environment as key drivers. Capital expenditures were €130 million, and free operating cash flow stood at €295 million, with net debt at €1.5 billion. CEO Bart Sap said the results reflect disciplined execution of the CORE mid-term plan and that the company enters the second half with confidence despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

The global silver-based brazing alloys market is projected to grow from $2.98 billion in 2026 to $3.8 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market had already risen from $2.8 billion in 2025 to $2.98 billion in 2026, a 6.6% increase, driven by demand from the automotive sector, electrical equipment, aerospace, household appliances, and infrastructure. Escalating vehicle production, including the shift to electric vehicles, and expansion of automotive maintenance and repair services are key growth factors. North America led the market in 2025, but Asia-Pacific is expected to see the fastest growth. Major players include Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, Linde, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Umicore, and voestalpine.

JPMorgan Chase has increased its total holding in Umicore SA to 3.91%, crossing the 3% direct voting-rights threshold on June 19. The disclosure shows 3.33% in direct voting rights and 0.58% in equivalent financial instruments. Umicore listed 246.4 million shares as the denominator for the filing. The company's Battery Recycling Solutions business recovers more than 95% of cobalt, copper, and nickel, and more than 90% of lithium from end-of-life batteries and production scrap.