Gurit Holding AG reported an 82% increase in adjusted operating profit for the first half of 2026, as a strategic realignment delivered on cost reductions and operational improvements. The Swiss composites manufacturer posted adjusted operating profit of CHF 16.9 million, up from CHF 9.3 million in the same period a year earlier, while the adjusted operating profit margin more than doubled to 11.0% from 5.7%.
Net sales from continuing operations rose 16.0% year-over-year at constant foreign exchange rates to CHF 152.4 million, though reported group net sales declined 0.7% to CHF 153.9 million. Gross profit margin expanded to 24.1% from 18.3%, reflecting efficiency gains across operations. The company’s net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved to 1.4 times, down from 1.9 times a year earlier, and equity increased to CHF 64.7 million from CHF 46.0 million.
Leadership changes accompanied the financial turnaround. Viktor Bernhardt, who served as group CFO since December 2025 and as interim CEO since July 23, 2026, was formally appointed group CEO. Chairman Philippe Royer highlighted the revised cost base as "the most competitive cost base structure you can find in the wind PET foam business," citing production facilities in China, India, and Mexico with finishing capabilities in Europe. Royer also noted that Gurit is "absolutely fully protected" under long-term agreements with major customers.
Segment performance showed uneven growth. Wind Materials revenue reached CHF 82.9 million, up 9.6% at constant exchange rates, while Manufacturing Solutions surged 69.3% to CHF 23.9 million. Marine & Industrial revenue grew 9.2% to CHF 45.7 million. Capacity utilization stood at approximately 80% for Wind Materials, 50% for Manufacturing Solutions, and 60% for PET Industrial Operations in North America, with Corecell production operating at full capacity relative to current staffing.
Gurit raised its full-year 2026 sales growth target to 9–11% from continuing operations at constant exchange rates, up from a previous mid-single-digit outlook. The company also increased its adjusted operating profit margin guidance to approximately 10%, from an earlier target of above 8.1%, and maintained its midterm margin target of 10% or above. Net debt totaled CHF 59.2 million as of June 30, 2026, down from CHF 79.3 million a year earlier but up CHF 4.2 million from December 2025 due to a deferred cash payment for the Fiberline Composite A/S acquisition.
Shares of Gurit surged 19.45% to CHF 36.20 in early trading, extending gains from a 52-week low of CHF 10.02 and approaching a high of CHF 45.90.
