EQS-News: Lenzing delivers positive net result in Q1 2026 and significantly increases free cash flow
EQS-News: Lenzing AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results
Lenzing delivers positive net result in Q1 2026 and significantly
increases free cash flow
07.05.2026 / 07:35 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Lenzing delivers positive net result in Q1 2026 and significantly
increases free cash flow
• Net result for the first quarter of 2026 at EUR 24 mn (prior year: EUR
31.7 mn) – positive again for the first time after three negative
quarters in 2025
• Free cash flow increased to EUR 33.8 mn (prior year: EUR 14.8
mn[1][1])
• Revenues in the first quarter of 2026 at EUR 615.7 mn (-10.8% compared
to Q1 2025)
• EBITDA at EUR 116.3 mn
Lenzing, May 7, 2026 – In the first quarter of 2026, the Lenzing Group
achieved a positive net result of EUR 24 mn despite a persistently
challenging market environment, following three negative quarters in 2025.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
amounted to EUR 116.3 mn, supported by the consistent implementation of
the pricing strategy and the performance program as well as by positive
one-off effects. Free cash flow increased significantly to EUR 33.8 mn
driven by disciplined management of prices, costs and working capital. The
market environment remains characterized by geopolitical tensions,
volatile energy prices and ongoing uncertainties.
“During the first quarter of 2026, we further stabilized our operational
development and returned to a positive net result after economically
challenging previous quarters. The significant improvement in free cash
flow is particularly encouraging and demonstrates that our measures are
taking effect. At the same time, the market environment remains highly
volatile. We are therefore continuing our transformation with strong
discipline to structurally strengthen Lenzing’s profitability and
resilience,” says Mathias Breuer, CFO of the Lenzing Group.
Earnings performance in the first quarter of 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, the company generated revenues of EUR 615.7
mn, representing a decrease of 10.8 percent compared to the very strong
first quarter of 2025. This decline was mainly attributable to lower fiber
sales volumes and prices as well as lower pulp prices. The reduced fiber
sales volumes also reflect deliberate production management, including the
temporary curtailment of less profitable production lines. These measures
are aligned with the strategic focus on value-generating growth. Compared
to the fourth quarter of 2025, fiber sales volumes remained largely
stable, while price levels increased. Raw material, energy and logistics
costs remained elevated, but were partially mitigated by internal savings
and efficiency measures.
EBITDA amounted to EUR 116.3 mn in the first quarter of 2026, compared to
EUR 156.1 mn in the prior-year period. The EBITDA margin stood at 18.9
percent, after 22.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the
second half of 2025, however, there has been a clear upward trend in
earnings development since the beginning of the year. In addition to the
performance program, EBITDA was supported by positive one-off effects
totaling EUR 25.7 mn, compared to EUR 25.5 mn in the prior-year period,
stemming from the sale of surplus EU emission allowances and a one-time
effect from the negative goodwill[2]^[2] recognized in connection with the
initial consolidation of the majority stake in TreeToTextile AB acquired
in February 2026. With the majority acquisition of TreeToTextile, Lenzing
also underscores its ambition to further advance its premiumization
strategy and strengthen its position in the market for next-generation
specialty fibers.
Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) amounted to EUR 40.1 mn, compared
to EUR 74.3 mn in the first quarter of 2025; the EBIT margin was 6.5
percent. Earnings before tax (EBT) reached EUR 22.8 mn, compared to EUR
35.1 mn in the prior-year quarter. Tax income totaled EUR 1.2 mn and was
positively influenced primarily by currency effects from the translation
of tax items from local to functional currency. Net profit thus amounted
to EUR 24 mn and was positive again for the first time after three
negative quarters in 2025.
Performance program and transformation
The Management Board of the Lenzing Group is consistently driving forward
the transformation of the company in order to further strengthen
profitability, resilience and agility. A key component is the holistic
performance program, which primarily aims to improve EBITDA and generate
free cash flow through enhanced profitability, consistent cost management
and targeted working capital control. As a result, Lenzing achieved
savings of more than EUR 200 mn in the 2025 financial year. In parallel,
measures to optimize structural, process and personnel costs are being
continuously implemented. Additional focus lies on sustainable cost
savings through operational excellence and energy optimization across all
production sites. On the sales side, new customers were gained for key
products, and new attractive markets were opened up to strengthen revenue
development. At the same time, Lenzing is increasingly focusing on
high-margin segments.
Cash flow, investments and balance sheet
Cash flow from operating activities amounted to EUR 94.6 mn in the first
quarter of 2026, compared to EUR 72.0 mn^1 in the same period of the
previous year. The increase is, among other factors, attributable to
targeted working capital management and inventory reduction. Free cash
flow rose to EUR 33.8 mn, compared to EUR 14.8 mn^1 in the prior-year
quarter. Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2026 remained largely
stable at EUR 690.1 mn. Capital expenditure (CAPEX) for intangible assets,
property, plant and equipment, and biological assets totaled EUR 28.4 mn.
Total assets increased to EUR 4.65 bn, adjusted equity to EUR 1.39 bn and
the adjusted equity ratio to 29.9 percent. Net financial debt remained
largely unchanged at EUR 1.36 bn.
Outlook
The International Monetary Fund has revised its global growth forecast for
2026 downwards to 3.1 percent, while maintaining its forecast for 2027 at
3.2 percent for the time being. The foreign exchange environment in
regions relevant to Lenzing is also expected to remain volatile. Key
downside risks include the Middle East conflict, which, starting in the
second quarter, is already driving and is expected to further drive
increases in energy and raw material prices, higher inflation expectations
and tightening financial conditions. New global crises could further
increase uncertainty and the cost of living, thereby weighing on consumer
sentiment and purchasing propensity. Lenzing will consistently continue
its transformation through the holistic performance program to unlock
additional cost potential and further improve revenue and margin
generation. In view of the ongoing high level of uncertainty and
geopolitical and trade policy developments, a reliable forecast for the
2026 financial year is currently not possible.
Selected indicators of the Lenzing Group
EUR mn 01-03/2026 01-03/2025
Revenue 615.7 690.2
EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 116.3 156.1
and amortization)
EBITDA margin 18.9 % 22.6 %
Net profit/loss after tax 24.0 31.7
Earnings per share in EUR 0.01 0.12
Cash flow from operating activities 94.6 72.0^1
Free cash flow 33.8 14.8^1
CAPEX 28.4 32.4[3]^[3]
31.03.2026 31.03.2025
Net financial debt 1,362.0 1,350.1
Adjusted equity ratio 29.9 % 29.6 %
Employees (full-time equivalents) 7,589 7,738
Photo download:
[4] https://mediadb.lenzing.com/pinaccess/showpin.do?pinCode=l5P1Q9g4Q8q2
Your contact for
Media Relations: Investor Relations:
Corporate Communications Alexander Schwaiger
VP Corp. Treasury & Investor Relations
Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
Werkstraße 2, 4860 Lenzing, Austria Werkstraße 2, 4860 Lenzing, Austria
Phone +43 7672 701 2743 Phone +43 7672 701 8947
E-mail [5]media@lenzing.com E-mail [7]a.schwaiger@lenzing.com
Web [6] www.lenzing.com Web [8] www.lenzing.com
About the Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group stands for the responsible production of specialty and
premium fibers based on regenerated cellulose. As an innovation leader,
Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and
drives many new technological developments. The Lenzing Group’s
high-quality fibers are the raw material for a wide range of textile
applications – ranging from functional, comfortable, and fashionable
clothing through to durable and sustainable home textiles. TÜV-certified
biodegradable and compostable Lenzing fibers are also ideal for demanding
use in everyday hygiene applications.
The Lenzing Group’s business model extends far beyond that of a
traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners,
Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, adding value
for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for efficient utilization and
processing of all raw materials and offers solutions for the transition of
the textile industry from the current linear economic system to a circular
economy. In order to align its commitment to limiting man-made climate
change with the goals of the Paris Agreement, Lenzing has a clear,
science-based climate action plan that provides for a significant
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2030 and a
net-zero target by 2050.
Key Facts & Figures Lenzing Group 2025
Revenue: EUR 2.60 bn
Nominal capacity (fibers): 1,110,000 tonnes
Employees (full-time equivalents): 7,738
TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, VEOCEL™, LENZING™, and REFIBRA™ are trademarks
of Lenzing AG.
Disclaimer: The above financial indicators are derived primarily from the
condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the consolidated
financial statements of the previous year of the Lenzing Group. Additional
details are provided in “Notes on the Financial Performance Indicators of
the Lenzing Group”, available at the following link
https://www.lenzing.com/investors/reporting-and-capital-market-update/, as
well as in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and in
the Lenzing Group’s prior-year consolidated financial statements. Rounding
differences can occur in the presentation of rounded amounts and
percentage rates.
[9]^[1] To enhance transparency and comparability of its key financial
performance indicators, the Lenzing Group has re-exercised the accounting
policy options available under IAS 7 and has therefore adjusted the
presentation of its statement of cash flows. The revised structure starts
from earnings before tax (EBT) and enables the calculation of Unlevered
Free Cash Flow, which – in addition to Free Cash Flow – serves as a key
performance indicator within the framework of the performance program. The
adjustment is aligned with common market reporting practices and improves
the informative value of the statement of cash flows for internal and
external stakeholders. The change in presentation has been applied
retrospectively in accordance with IAS 8. For further details, please
refer to the Annual and Sustainability Report 2025, section Consolidated
Financial Statements, Note 2.
[10]^[2] Negative goodwill (“bargain purchase”) arises in the course of
the initial consolidation of a business combination when the purchase
price is below the fair value of the acquired net assets. The resulting
difference is recognized in profit or loss at the acquisition date in
accordance with IFRS3.
[11]^[3] Since the second quarter of the 2025 financial year, capitalized
borrowing costs in accordance with IAS 23 have been presented within cash
flows from financing activities under “interest paid”; previously, these
amounts were included in cash flows from investing activities under
“acquisition of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and
biological assets”. As a result, CAPEX for the comparative period was
reduced retrospectively by EUR 0.2 mn.
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07.05.2026 CET/CEST This Corporate News was distributed by [12]EQS Group
View original content: [13]EQS News
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Language: English
Company: Lenzing AG
4860 Lenzing
Austria
Phone: +43 7672-701-0
Fax: +43 7672-96301
E-mail: office@lenzing.com
Internet: www.lenzing.com
ISIN: AT0000644505
Indices: ATX
Listed: Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Market)
EQS News ID: 2322852
End of News EQS News Service
2322852 07.05.2026 CET/CEST
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7. a.schwaiger@lenzing.com
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