HERMLE more dynamic than expected in the first half of 2026

Following the slightly-better-than-expected performance in the first six months, the momentum of growth at HERMLE is forecast to slow down in the second half of 2026. In part, this can be attributed to a base effect, as development in the second half of 2025 was already very strong. Conversely, performance during the period under review benefited from strong demand from new industries and customers with start-up characteristics. Given this, it remains to be seen whether this encouraging level of order activity will continue. Furthermore, HERMLE, like the whole of the German industry, faces ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. When assessing the result, it should be kept in mind that the positive special effects from the first half of the year will not recur and that ongoing trade policy tensions are predicted to put further pressure on material costs and increase currency-related risks. 

Nevertheless, the company remains confident that, for the full year 2026, it will reach the upper end of the forecast range announced at the start of the year, with turnover expected to increase by around 10% and a Group profit close to the previous year's level. The negative scenario outlined in the forecast now appears increasingly unlikely. However, it cannot be ruled out completely, given the number of ongoing risks, especially in the procurement area. 

The net assets and financial position of the HERMLE Group remains solid. On 30 June 2026, the company had an equity ratio of 71.7% (31.12.2025: 72.5%) and liquid funds of €m 124.7 (31.12.2025: €m 81.3). The operative cash flow rose by 37.4% to €m 27.2 during the first six months of 2026 (previous year: €m 19.8). As a result, the significant increase in investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to €m 16.2 (previous year: €m 9.2) was financed, as customary at HERMLE, from the company's own resources. During the period under review, the company continued the expansion and modernisation programme for its various locations. The main focus was on the construction of a new technology and training centre at the company headquarters in Gosheim, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.

On 30 June 2026, HERMLE employed 1,636 employees across the Group (30.06.2025: 1,607; 31.12.2025: 1,639). The increase compared with the same date in the previous year was mainly due to recruiting apprentices and dual-study students who had successfully completed their training and filling the resulting vacancies. As a result, the number of young people at HERMLE currently undergoing vocational training or studying climbed from 111 to 127. Furthermore, there were targeted new hires in the areas of automation, development, IT, international services and – to manage increasing regulatory requirements – administration. 

During the reporting period, the main focus of research and development work at HERMLE was on enhancing the breadth and depth of its automation and complete machining expertise. At the leading industry trade fair AMB in Stuttgart in September 2026, the company will unveil two new products in these sectors: the highly integrated complete machining centre C 22 MT and the robot system RS 1 GEN2. Thanks to such innovative products, HERMLE is able to create opportunities for organic growth regardless of the economic situation. Moreover, the demand for highly efficient, precise and dynamic machining centres and automation solutions is expected to remain strong in the medium term. The company aims to build on this momentum going forward by continuing to focus on user needs and unlocking new opportunities in additional high-growth sectors and regions.