Schaeffler AG Increases Profitability in the First Half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, Schaeffler AG increased its EBIT margin, excluding special items, to 4.7 percent. Growth in the E-Mobility and Bearings & Industrial Solutions divisions offset weaker performance in other areas. The full-year forecast remains unchanged.

Schaeffler AG generated revenue of 11.667 billion euros in the first half of 2026, thereby maintaining revenue at nearly the same level as the previous year despite a challenging market environment. On a currency-adjusted basis, revenue rose by 0.4 percent. At the same time, the company improved EBIT before special items to 549 million euros. The corresponding EBIT margin rose from 4.1 to 4.7 percent.

Improved Profitability Despite a Challenging Market Environment

According to the company, its broad positioning as a Motion Technology Company, along with the performance of its four product-oriented divisions, helped offset declining market trends in certain areas. On a currency-adjusted basis, Schaeffler recorded revenue growth in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, while Europe and Greater China fell short of the previous year’s figures. “Despite a global environment that remains challenging, with rapidly changing conditions, the Schaeffler Group maintained revenue at the prior-year level in the first half of 2026 and achieved a solid result,” says CEO Klaus Rosenfeld. He also points to progress in the growth areas of humanoid robotics and defense, as well as the confirmation of the full-year forecast.

E-Mobility and Industrial Divisions Post Gains

The E-Mobility division increased its currency-adjusted revenue by 7.7 percent to 2.578 billion euros. At the same time, the EBIT margin before special items improved from minus 19.3 to minus 15.6 percent. Key factors included product ramp-ups in Europe and Asia/Pacific, as well as improved operational performance at the production plants.

Powertrain & Chassis continued to post robust results despite a 3.4 percent decline in currency-adjusted revenue. The EBIT margin stood at 11.1 percent. Vehicle Lifetime Solutions kept revenue nearly stable on a currency-adjusted basis and increased its EBIT margin to 15.5 percent. Bearings & Industrial Solutions improved revenue by 1.0 percent on a currency-adjusted basis and raised its EBIT margin from 7.8 to 9.0 percent.

Free Cash Flow Under Pressure

Free cash flow before cash inflows and outflows related to M&A activities stood at minus 300 million euros after six months. According to the company, this was primarily due to planned expenditures for restructuring and integration measures totaling 236 million euros.

Chief Financial Officer Christophe Hannequin emphasized that the improved operating performance in the E-Mobility and Bearings & Industrial Solutions divisions, in particular, contributed to the earnings performance. At the same time, the company aims to further optimize inventory management to sustainably improve free cash flow over the course of the year.

Full-Year Forecast Confirmed

Schaeffler AG has confirmed its forecast for the 2026 fiscal year. Revenue is still expected to range between 22.5 and 24.5 billion euros, with an EBIT margin before special items of 3.5 to 5.5 percent. Free cash flow before cash inflows and outflows related to M&A activities is expected to be between 100 and 300 million euros.