EMS Group lifts 2026 sales outlook to prior-year level

EMS Group increased net sales to CHF 1.509 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up from CHF 1.491 billion in the same period last year. In local currencies, sales rose by 4.2%. Reported growth was held back by the stronger Swiss franc.

For the full year, EMS has raised its sales guidance and now expects net sales to be broadly in line with the previous year. Its outlook for operating profit (EBIT) remains unchanged, with earnings still expected to come in slightly above the prior-year level.

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Challenging market conditions persist
According to the company, the business environment remained difficult, shaped by geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, higher energy costs and subdued consumer sentiment. Weakness in the global automotive industry, a key end market for high-performance polymers, continued to weigh on demand.

The strong Swiss franc also remained a headwind, reducing the value of sales translated into Swiss francs.

Regional trends remained uneven. In Europe, industrial restructuring continued, while growth in the US and China was concentrated mainly in the high-tech sector. Inflation continued to dampen consumer spending in both the US and Europe. In China, the prolonged property downturn placed additional pressure on domestic demand.

Focus on specialty products and higher-margin applications
EMS continued to focus on specialty products for technically demanding applications. The company said that new projects across all regions, together with local development partnerships, supported sales growth during the period.

At the same time, disciplined cost management, pricing measures and an improved product mix helped strengthen operating profitability.

Particular emphasis is being placed on applications that reduce weight, energy consumption or total system costs. These include metal replacement solutions and energy-efficient components. EMS also plans to continue offsetting higher raw material costs through prompt adjustments to selling prices.

New applications in e-mobility, robotics and data centers
The company is developing new applications for growth areas including e-mobility, robotics and data centers. Its focus is on materials and components that combine low weight with high strength, durability and dimensional stability.

In the automotive sector, EMS is also working on coating technologies that can cure at lower temperatures. The company says this can reduce energy use in painting processes and, depending on the application, may also contribute to lower vehicle weight.

Full-year outlook upgraded
For 2026 as a whole, EMS now expects net sales to reach approximately the previous year's level, improving on its earlier forecast for a weaker performance.

EBIT is still expected to be slightly higher than in 2025. Key factors for the remainder of the year include currency movements, consumer and industrial demand, and the company's ability to expand higher-margin specialty products into new applications and regional markets.

More information: www.ems-group.com, www.emsgrivory.com

EMS-Chemie Holding AG, Herrliberg and Domat/Ems, Switzerland

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