Zumtobel Group reported first-quarter results for fiscal 2026/27 on September 3, 2026, showing improved profitability despite essentially flat revenue.
The Austrian lighting manufacturer posted adjusted earnings before interest and tax of €8.2 million, a 25% increase from the prior-year period, while revenue declined 0.9% to €264.1 million. Adjusted EBIT margins expanded to 3.1% from 2.5%, supported by a 70-basis-point rise in adjusted gross profit margin to 37.4%. Net profit turned positive at €4.2 million, compared with a €4.0 million loss a year earlier.
Revenue in the lighting segment, which accounts for about 80% of group sales, was essentially flat at €211.1 million, up 0.2% year-over-year. Adjusted EBIT in the segment rose to €12.5 million from €11.4 million, lifting the margin to 5.9% from 5.4%. The components segment saw revenue decline 4.8% to €67.5 million, with adjusted EBIT of €1.4 million and a margin of 2.1%.
Regionally, Asia & Pacific reported the strongest growth, with sales up 14.6% to €19.4 million, while the Americas & Middle East & Africa increased 19.8% to €12.9 million. Northern and Western Europe grew 2.5% to €62.8 million, while D/A/CH—comprising Germany, Austria and Switzerland—declined 5.0% to €101.9 million. Southern and Eastern Europe fell 4.4% to €67.1 million.
Adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses edged down to €90.7 million from €91.3 million, while special effects from an efficiency program narrowed to €0.7 million, down from €7.4 million a year earlier. Reported EBIT reached €7.5 million, compared with a €0.8 million loss in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share improved to €0.11 from -€0.09.
On the balance sheet, net debt rose to €148.1 million as of July 31, 2026, from €128.5 million at the April 30 fiscal year-end. The equity ratio remained stable at 43.0%, well above the 23.5% covenant requirement. Cash flow from operating activities was negative €4.2 million, reflecting a €13.6 million increase in working capital, while free cash flow was negative €16.4 million.
Management reaffirmed full-year guidance for revenue to remain around €1,040.4 million, with adjusted EBIT margin projected between 3% and 5%, compared with 4.1% in fiscal 2025/26. The company is targeting €7–10 million in additional annual savings under its efficiency program during the current fiscal year.
