The market reacted positively to the results, with Salzgitter shares climbing approximately six percent. The earnings surge was primarily driven by the Aurubis stake, which contributed 147 million euros to the bottom line - nearly triple the amount from a year ago. Salzgitter benefited largely from positive valuation effects resulting from rising metal prices.
For the full year 2026, the executive board maintains its revised guidance issued in April, forecasting underlying EBITDA between 625 million and 725 million euros, up from the previous target of 500 million to 600 million euros. Pre-tax profit (EBT) is expected to range between 200 million and 300 million euros, compared to the earlier estimate of 75 million to 175 million euros. Revenue is projected at approximately 9.5 billion euros. 'This strong start to 2026 gives us confidence for the remainder of the year and prompted us to upwardly revise our earnings forecast,' CFO Birgit Potrafki reaffirmed on Tuesday. The conflict in Iran is unlikely to have a major impact on the outlook. However, Salzgitter is counting on positive momentum from EU trade defense measures later this year. The CFO also expects the transaction to acquire Thyssenkrupp Steel's shares in Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM) to close in the near future.
Despite the rise in profit, the group continues to face headwinds in its core business. Steel-related activities were weighed down by unfavorable economic conditions and geopolitical uncertainties. Nevertheless, the steel production, trading, and technology divisions delivered positive results. An ongoing efficiency program also contributed to the bottom line, reducing costs by an additional 43 million euros.
(Reporting by Myria Mildenberger, edited by Philipp Krach. For inquiries, please contact our editorial team at berlin.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for politics and economics) or frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for corporate and markets).)
