JOST Werke has announced an exceptionally strong start to 2026, delivering record-breaking financial results for the first quarter. The company reported significant increases in both sales and adjusted EBIT, surpassing initial expectations and returning its profitability margins to strategic target levels ahead of schedule. This remarkable performance is largely attributed to robust organic growth across all regions, the successful integration of its acquisition, Hyva, and a strengthened financial position following a recent capital increase. Despite varying global market conditions, JOST Werke has demonstrated resilience and strategic foresight, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the year.

The company's strategic focus on integrating Hyva has not only streamlined operations but also generated substantial synergies, directly contributing to the improved margin profile. Furthermore, prudent financial management, including the capital increase, has enhanced JOST's balance sheet, providing greater flexibility for future expansion and potential mergers and acquisitions. With a confirmed positive outlook for 2026, JOST Werke is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities and continue its growth trajectory, navigating geopolitical uncertainties with a proactive approach to inventory and logistics management.

Exceptional First Quarter Performance and Strategic Integration

JOST Werke reported a stellar first quarter for 2026, achieving record sales of EUR 417 million, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Adjusted EBIT soared by 23% to EUR 44 million, pushing the adjusted EBIT margin to 10.6%. This impressive margin recovery places JOST back within its strategic target range of 10% to 12% much sooner than anticipated. The strong financial results are underpinned by robust organic sales growth of 9%, with all geographical regions and product lines contributing positively. The successful integration of Hyva has been a pivotal factor, with management highlighting that synergy realization is accelerating, directly enhancing the company's profitability and operational efficiency.

CEO Joachim Dürr emphasized the "very strong start" to the year, noting that the company's strategic initiatives, particularly the Hyva integration, are yielding tangible benefits. Adjusted net income saw a 17% rise to EUR 28 million, and adjusted earnings per share increased by 12% to EUR 1.81, even with an expanded share count following a capital increase. This capital injection, which generated approximately EUR 93 million, was instrumental in strengthening the company's balance sheet, reducing net leverage, and providing the financial agility needed to pursue future strategic growth opportunities. The early achievement of margin targets underscores the effectiveness of JOST Werke's operational strategies and its ability to adapt to dynamic market landscapes.

Regional Growth, Financial Strength, and Future Outlook

JOST Werke's first-quarter success was characterized by positive, albeit mixed, regional performance. The APAC region demonstrated the strongest growth, with reported sales surging by 26% and organic growth nearing 15%, fueled by strong transport demand in China and India. EMEA also delivered organic growth of 8.4%, with agriculture being a particularly strong segment. While the Americas saw a 5.2% increase in organic sales, largely driven by market share gains in agriculture and new business in North America, this was achieved despite weaker truck and trailer markets. The newly inaugurated hydraulics plant in Brazil further solidifies JOST's regional presence and capacity for future expansion in the Americas, despite facing foreign exchange headwinds.

Financially, JOST Werke significantly strengthened its balance sheet, reducing net leverage to 1.75 times last-12-months EBITDA, well within its strategic target range of 1 to 2 times. This improved financial health, supported by the capital increase, provides the company with increased flexibility for strategic mergers and acquisitions. Despite free cash flow being near zero in the quarter due to increased business volume and strategic inventory builds to mitigate supply chain risks, working capital remained within target. JOST has reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, anticipating single-digit sales growth and even faster mid-to-high single-digit EBIT growth. The company remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging potential geopolitical and trade uncertainties but confident in its ability to maintain profitability and pursue growth initiatives.