Geberit profit grows in first half; market backdrop remains shaky

19. Aug 2026

(AWP Alliance News) - Geberit AG on Wednesday posted higher sales and profit in the first half, but kept a cautious view of the future, in part due to market uncertainty fuelled by conflict between the US and Iran.

The Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland-based sanitary parts manufacturer booked net income of CHF364 million, about USD448.8 million, for the six months ended June, an increase of 7.4% from CHF339 million a year earlier. Earnings per share grew 7.9% to CHF11.09 from CHF10.28.

Net sales were up 2.8% to EUR1.71 billion from EUR1.67 billion, marking an improvement from the 0.7% decline reported in the first quarter of 2026, which the company had attributed to negative currency effects.

Geberit noted a "significant increase in direct material costs", but said margins had remained at the same level as the previous year nonetheless.

"Thanks to high availability and efficient processes in production and logistics, volume growth in particular had a positive impact on margins. The margins also benefited from sales price increases and the elimination of one-off costs in the previous year. This was offset by the strong increase in direct material costs, wage inflation and the planned higher investments for marketing, IT and digitalisation," Geberit said.

The company described its financial situation as "solid", with net debt standing at CHF1.33 billion at the end of June, up from CHF1.17 billion, "due to the slight decrease in free cashflow and the accelerated share buyback programme", according to Geberit.

Looking ahead, the firm maintained a cautious outlook, similar to the view it had provided when releasing first-quarter results in May.

"Geopolitical risks and the associated macroeconomic uncertainties remain high due to the continuing conflict in the Middle East, which makes it difficult to provide an outlook for the macroeconomic environment and building construction industry. Overall, the global economy will continue to be exposed to significant uncertainties," Geberit said.

It expects to see some growth in the European construction and renovation sector, "but no widespread market recovery yet". Beyond Europe, prospects are mixed, with higher demand expected in markets such as India, offset by a decrease in China's new construction activity.

Still, the company sees itself "well positioned to further expand its market position". It eyes full-year sales growth ranging from 5% to 6% on-year, at local currency rates, with the margin for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation holding steady on-year.

Geberit shares closed 1.1% lower at CHF527.00 each on Tuesday in Zurich.

By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporter

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