Investing.com — EMS-Chemie raised its full-year 2026 sales forecast Thursday, now expecting net sales to match last year’s level, up from its earlier forecast of a slight decline. The Swiss specialty chemicals maker kept its outlook for operating income, which it still expects to be slightly above last year’s.
Still, the company’s shares fell 2.6% in Swiss trading by 07:57 GMT as it expects a challenging economic backdrop in the fourth quarter.
Net sales for the first nine months rose 1.2% to 1.51 billion Swiss francs from 1.49 billion. In local currencies, sales grew 4.2%, with the strong Swiss franc weighing on the reported figure. EMS credited new business in high-margin specialties and innovation, and said profitability rose significantly.
The main High Performance Polymers business grew 1.6% to 1.37 billion Swiss francs, or 4.6% in local currencies. Specialty Chemicals fell 2.1% to 143 million Swiss francs but rose 0.8% in local currencies.
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, EMS said it “continues to expect a challenging economic environment.” Geopolitical conflicts and trade barriers continue to restrain growth, while higher energy costs are lifting inflation and dampening consumer spending in the U.S. and Europe.
Europe’s industry is undergoing a prolonged restructuring, and the automotive sector is struggling. EMS said it had to pass higher raw material costs through to customers with price increases.
“The slump in sales in domestic Chinese markets shows no sign of improving. The Swiss Franc will remain strong,” it added.
The company said demand is strong for polymers that replace metal in applications that save cost, energy and weight. It is also targeting future growth in electric cars, robotics and data centers.
Original Article
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