BOBST has confirmed that the combination of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies and tariffs, and persistent inflationary pressures have reduced business visibility for its customers. As a result, investment cycles are becoming longer, directly impacting order intakes of the 1st semester. Order intakes in the first six months of 2026 were 11% below the level reached in 2025. Sales were at CHF 590m, 12% lower than the first semester of 2025 at CHF 667m. The operating result (EBIT) was CHF -25m compared to CHF 5m in 2025, mainly driven by lower volume partially compensated by lower fixed costs. The net result reached CHF -33m, down from CHF -3m in the previous year. Net debt was CHF 242m compared to CHF 154m at the beginning of the year. Order backlog at the end of June was 13% lower than previous year and 11% higher than at the end of 2025.
The Group expects a stronger second half of the year; however, several uncertainties could continue to weigh on order intake and, consequently, on full-year results. In particular, a more stable and predictable geopolitical environment is essential to restore consumer and customer confidence and support investment decisions. The Group expects 2026 full-year sales and results to be lower than the values achieved in previous year.
During the first half of 2026, consolidated sales amounted to CHF 589.9m, representing a decrease of CHF -77.5m, or -11.6%, compared to CHF 667.4m for the same period in 2025. Volume and price variances had a negative impact of CHF -54.0m. The exchange rates had an overall negative impact on sales of CHF -23.5m.
The decrease in consolidated sales was mainly due to lower sale of equipment. The distribution of sales by geographical zones showed an improvement in percentage in Europe offset by a decrease in Asia & Oceania, with the other regions remaining stable.
In terms of order intakes, the Business Unit Printing & Converting recorded a first half of 2026 that was approximately 20% below the same period in 2025. While initial forecasts anticipated a more stable market environment, increasing economic and geopolitical uncertainty continues to weigh on investment decisions across the packaging industry.
The combined effect of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, evolving U.S. trade policies and weak industrial growth across mature markets continues to weigh on customer visibility and investment confidence, with a direct impact on Bobst Group’s business outlook. Business Unit Services & Performance is expected to continue to demonstrate strong resilience in the second half of the year, although its performance will remain affected by adverse foreign exchange movements.
As a result, based on current market conditions and exchange rates, the Group expects 2026 full-year sales and results to be lower compared to the values achieved in previous year.
