Villeroy & Boch AG Villeroy & Boch navigates a challenging market environment and confirms its full-year forecast

Press Release

Mettlach, 30 July 2026

 

Villeroy & Boch navigates a challenging market environment and confirms its full-year forecast

The Management Board of Villeroy & Boch AG considers the Group’s economic position for the first six months of the 2026 financial year to be satisfactory overall, despite a market environment that continues to be characterised by geopolitical tensions. Consolidated revenue for the first half of 2026 stood at €635.8 million, down 12.4% on the previous year’s figure of €725.8 million. Adjusted for exchange rate effects and for the sale of the Northern European brands Gustavsberg and Vatette on 1 October 2025, the decline amounts to 7.4%. By contrast, the order book showed a positive trend: it rose by €49.5 million compared with the end of 2025 to €199.9 million. Operating EBIT amounted to €34.5 million, compared with €47.8 million in the previous year. This decline is primarily attributable to the divestment carried out in the previous year, as well as the effects of the geopolitical conflict in the Persian Gulf. Group result stood at –€6.8 million (previous year: +€13.8 million); this was largely due to non-cash exceptional tax effects.

Bathroom & Wellness: Results impacted by portfolio restructuring and geopolitical tensions

The Bathroom & Wellness Division generated revenue of €504.4 million (previous year: €594.1 million, -15.1%); adjusted for portfolio and currency effects, the decline amounted to 9.4%. Whilst revenue in EMEA fell by 14.5%, primarily due to divestments and the conflict in the Middle East, some markets — such as Italy, Bulgaria and Hungary — recorded encouraging growth. APAC and the Americas saw a decline of 21.3% against a backdrop of a downturn in the construction sector. The division’s operating EBIT stood at €29.5 million (previous year adjusted: €43.0 million).

 “The current global economic environment poses significant challenges for the entire industry, and the Villeroy & Boch Group is not being spared either. Still, we are confident that the broader market position resulting from the acquisition of Ideal Standard will strengthen our business in the medium and long term, particularly in challenging times,” explains Georg Lörz, Management Board Member for Bathroom & Wellness.

Dining & Lifestyle: Stable revenue accompanied by strong e-commerce growth

The Dining & Lifestyle Division remained virtually on a par with the previous year’s figure (€130.4 million), posting revenue of €130.0 million; on a currency-adjusted basis, this represents a slight increase of 0.8%. Performance in e-commerce was particularly noteworthy, with a 16.1% increase in revenue. Slight declines in EMEA (-1.0%) were partially offset by growth in APAC and the Americas. Operating EBIT rose slightly to €5.0 million (previous year: €4.8 million).

“The results in the Dining & Lifestyle Division are particularly encouraging given the challenging market environment. The contribution from our successful new product launches, as well as the strong growth in e-commerce, shows that we are attuned to the needs of our consumers,” commented Dr Peter Domma, Management Board Member for Dining & Lifestyle and Chief Digital Officer. 

 

Outlook for the whole of 2026

The global market environment will continue to be affected by geopolitical and economic uncertainty; a further deterioration in the second half of the year cannot be ruled out. Against this backdrop, the Management Board of Villeroy & Boch AG confirms its forecast for the full year 2026, with an expected operating EBIT of €75 million.

This subdued momentum is temporarily amplified by the structural effect of the disposal of the Northern European business comprising the Gustavsberg and Vatette brands (effective 1 October 2025). As a result, net revenue and operating EBIT will also be significantly below the previous year’s figures in the third quarter of 2026.

“The economic environment remains exceptionally volatile. We expect geopolitical tensions to continue to impact our business for the rest of the year, and we are addressing this uncertainty through appropriately cautious planning. That said, our solid orders on hand and the stable performance in the Dining & Lifestyle Division highlight the fundamental strength of our business,” said Chief Financial Officer Dr Markus Warncke.

Please find the complete Report as a PDF-file for download here:

http://www.villeroyboch-group.com/en/investor-relations/publikationen.html

 

For inquiries:

Melanie Schnitzler                                                        Anabell Westrich

Director Corporate Communications                            Corporate Communications DACH

Tel: +49 (0) 151 / 23 54 75 55                                      Tel: +49 (0)6864 81-1338  

E-mail: schnitzler.melanie@villeroy-boch.com             E-mail: westrich.anabell@villeroy-boch.com