Umicore jumps on guidance upgrade, metals boost

Umicore SA

04/05/2026 08:45

** Belgian materials group Umicore UMI.BR rises 14% after lifting its FY26 EBITDA guidance to around 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion)

** Degroof Petercam says the upgrade reflects much stronger-than-expected performance in Recycling and Specialty Materials, benefiting from high precious metal, cobalt and germanium prices

** Broker raises its 2026-27 earnings forecasts by 10-12%, noting these divisions are far more sensitive to favourable metal prices than previously assumed

** Battery Materials remain a laggard, with volume growth delayed, though take-or-pay contracts should support earnings, Degroof adds

** It notes limited Middle East exposure and strong energy hedges, with elevated precious-metal prices seen as structural amid geopolitical tensions

** Including today's rise, the stock is up over 10% YTD

($1 = 0.8527 euros)

 (Reporting by Jerome Terroy)

 ((jerome.terroy@thomsonreuters.com))