EQS-News: wienerberger strengthens its position in infrastructure and renovation – Q2 2026 results
EQS-News: Wienerberger AG / Key word(s): Quarter Results
wienerberger strengthens its position in infrastructure and renovation –
Q2 2026 results
12.08.2026 / 07:30 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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wienerberger strengthens its position in infrastructure and renovation –
Q2 2026 results
• wienerberger reports Group-wide revenue growth of 13% year-on-year to
€1.4 billion in Q2 26 (Q2 25: €1.2 billion)
• Top-line growth was driven by resilient infrastructure and renovation
activities, which now account for more than 60% of Group revenues, and
M&A
• Operating Q2 26 EBITDA decreased to €230 million (Q2 25: €253 million)
due to weaker-than-expected residential new-build activity,
particularly in North America and the UK, and elevated cost inflation
resulting from geopolitical conflicts
• Full-year guidance for operating EBITDA at €700 million
Vienna, August 12, 2026 – Despite ongoing global macroeconomic challenges,
wienerberger achieved solid results in Q2 26 by continuing to increase its
exposure to less cyclical markets, especially infrastructure and
renovation, where demand remains resilient. This offset much of the
unexpectedly weak demand in residential new-build markets, especially in
the United States, Canada and the UK. Revenue increased by 13%
year-on-year to €1.4 billion (Q2 25: €1.2 billion), supported by 7%
organic growth and a 6% contribution from M&A, while operating EBITDA
reached €230 million (Q2 25: €253 million).
Gerhard Hanke, Interim CEO and COO Central & East of wienerberger: “We
have shifted the majority of our business toward structurally resilient
renovation and infrastructure markets by executing the largest portfolio
transformation in wienerberger’s history. Although the anticipated
recovery in residential new-build markets did not materialize as expected,
our strategic shift is proving its value. Through the acquisition of
Italcer and targeted investments in roofing and infrastructure, more than
60% of our revenue is now generated from these resilient segments,
underscoring the success of our strategy and strengthening our ability to
deliver sustainable growth.”
Resilient demand in renovation and infrastructure – declines in individual
residential new-build markets
End markets showed significant differences in residential new-build
activities. In particular, demand remained below expectations in the
United States, Canada, and the UK, as elevated financing costs continued
to weigh on investment decisions by both developers and private
homeowners. Since these adverse effects have not been counteracted by
public stimulus measures, the expected demand recovery did not
materialize. However, infrastructure and renovation continued to
outperform residential new-build construction.
In Continental Europe, infrastructure and renovation remained resilient.
Roofing activities benefited from the decarbonization of the aging housing
stock and the resulting renovation spending across most European markets.
Piping solutions also recorded solid demand driven by the European water
resilience strategy and investments in upgrading European power grids.
Targeted acquisitions drive the transformation of our portfolio
Following its value-accretive growth strategy, wienerberger has continued
its transformation towards resilient, less cyclical end markets with solid
demand. A key milestone was the acquisition of a majority stake in Italcer
in April 2026, an Italian specialist in ceramic wall and floor tiles. Its
significant contribution to revenue and EBITDA is in line with
wienerberger’s expectations, as the company is successfully managing
volatility in markets such as North America and the Middle East. Beyond
its financial contribution, Italcer reinforces wienerberger’s strategic
positioning as a provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions
for renovation markets.
In infrastructure, wienerberger has also increased its position with
acquisitions such as the NEWS group in April 2026, a leading provider of
sustainable wastewater solutions in Sweden and the broader Nordic region.
Growth there has been driven by climate adaptation, urbanization and
investments in utility networks. These and other strategic investments,
such as the acquisition of roofing-expert Terreal in 2024, have increased
wienerberger’s revenue share from structurally resilient infrastructure
and renovation markets to over 60%.
Financial performance in the second quarter of 2026
In Q2 26, wienerberger increased revenue by 13% year-on-year to €1.4
billion (Q2 25: €1.2 billion), supported by 7% organic growth and a 6%
contribution from M&A. Operating EBITDA reached €230 million (Q2 25: €253
million) corresponding to an operating EBITDA margin of 16.3% (Q2 25:
20.3%). Key drivers for the decline in operating profit were
weaker-than-expected residential new-build activity, particularly in North
America and the UK, and elevated cost inflation resulting from
geopolitical conflicts. Profit/loss after tax amounted to €31 million (Q2
25: €103 million), resulting in earnings per share of €0.28 (Q2 25:
€0.93).
The company’s free cash flow totaled €83 million in Q2 26 (Q2 25: €124
million), primarily reflecting higher working capital requirements
following the acquisition of Italcer. Net debt stood at €2.4 bn as of June
30, 2026 (June 30, 2025: €2.0 bn).
Fit for Growth initiatives against market weakness
wienerberger has intensified its Fit for Growth programs, focusing on
optimization and efficiency activities across operating costs, capital
expenditure and working capital management. By maintaining capital
discipline, the company expects to further accelerate incremental cash
savings during the rest of 2026, preserving strategic flexibility for
future growth opportunities.
Regional Developments H1 2026
The region Europe West delivered a resilient performance, supported by its
balanced exposure to infrastructure and renovation markets. Infrastructure
demand remained particularly strong, driven by investments in water and
wastewater networks, power-grid modernization and climate-adaptation
projects. Renovation activity was stable to positive and broadly in line
with expectations across the region. In contrast, residential new-build
construction declined in the UK, but also remained below expectations in
Germany and France due to affordability pressures and cautious investment
sentiment.
After a weather-related slow start to the year, Europe East showed
gradually improving market conditions in Q2 26. Recovery gained momentum
in several Central and Eastern European markets, particularly in Poland
and the Czech Republic, supported by stronger permitting activity,
improving financing conditions and infrastructure investments.
Infrastructure demand remained stable across the region, driven by
investments in water, wastewater and utility networks.
The region North America faced challenging market conditions with
residential new-build activity declining in both the United States and
Canada due to elevated mortgage rates, affordability pressures and
economic uncertainty. Infrastructure markets proved more resilient,
supported by ongoing investments in water distribution, wastewater systems
and utility-network modernization, but faced a highly competitive pricing
environment.
Legal Settlement
In July 2026, Pipelife Jet Stream, Inc., a U.S.-based subsidiary of
wienerberger, agreed to settle three antitrust class action lawsuits in
the United States for a total of USD 52.4 million, subject to final court
approval. The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability and
will fully resolve all civil claims against the company in these
proceedings. The payment is expected in 2026 and will be reported as a
one-off item affecting reported EBITDA only, with no impact on operating
EBITDA.
Outlook
Based on current market conditions, wienerberger expects infrastructure
and renovation activities as well as the contribution from acquisitions to
continue performing broadly in line with the assumptions underlying the
Group’s guidance at the beginning of the year. Furthermore, management has
acted decisively to mitigate short-term volatility in input costs,
particularly plastic granulate, logistics and energy, and has implemented
targeted pricing and efficiency measures to mitigate cost inflation.
Given persistent affordability constraints, elevated financing costs, and
continued geopolitical uncertainty, wienerberger expects new residential
construction activity to remain subdued over the coming quarters. This is
expected to adversely impact the Group’s EBITDA by approximately €100
million in 2026 compared with the assumptions underlying the Group’s
initial guidance for 2026, of which around €40 million was incurred in the
first half of the year. As a result, the Group expects operating EBITDA to
amount to €700 million.
wienerberger will continue its transformation towards less cyclical,
resilient markets combined with disciplined cost management and ongoing
efficiency measures. Amid continuous market volatility, these measures
will provide a solid foundation to navigate the current market environment
and support long-term value creation.
For the complete report on the second quarter of 2026, please visit:
[1]Link
For further information, please contact:
Claudia Hajdinyak, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t +43 664 828 31 83 | claudia.hajdinyak@wienerberger.com
Alfredo Sibilia, Senior Officer Investor Relations Wienerberger AG
t +43 664 812 10 72 | investor@wienerberger.com
wienerberger
wienerberger is a leading international provider of innovative, ecological
solutions for the entire building envelope, in the fields of new build and
renovation, as well as infrastructure in water and energy management. With
more than 20,000 employees worldwide, wienerberger’s solutions enable
energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable living.
wienerberger is the world’s largest producer of bricks and the market
leader in clay roof tiles in Europe as well as concrete pavers in Eastern
Europe. In pipe systems (ceramic and plastic pipes), the company is one of
the leading suppliers in Europe and a leading supplier of facade products
in North America. With its more than 200 production sites, wienerberger
generated revenues of €4.6 billion and an operating EBITDA of approx. €754
million in 2025.
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12.08.2026 CET/CEST This Corporate News was distributed by [2]EQS Group
View original content: [3]EQS News
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Language: English
Company: Wienerberger AG
Wienerbergerplatz 1
1100 Wien
Austria
Phone: +43 1 60 192-0
Fax: +43 1 60 192-10159
E-mail: investor@wienerberger.com
Internet: www.wienerberger.com
ISIN: AT0000831706
Listed: Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Market)
LEI Code: 529900VXIFBHO0SW2I31
EQS News ID: 2380918
End of News EQS News Service
2380918 12.08.2026 CET/CEST
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