Huber+Suhner profit falls as optical switch spending weighs on H1

Swiss connectivity components firm Huber+Suhner experienced a significant drop in operating profit and transitioned to a loss in free cash flow during the first half of 2026. The company's operating profit decreased by 8.4% to CHF 41.2 million, causing the EBIT margin to fall from 10.1% to 9%. Free operating cash flow turned negative at CHF 25.2 million, compared to CHF 35.3 million the previous year.

Net income saw a 4.6% decline to CHF 34.9 million, while net liquidity stood at CHF 146.1 million. Despite a 2.6% increase in net sales to CHF 457.4 million, organic growth of 6% after accounting for currency, copper prices, and portfolio effects, the Communication segment faced the biggest impact from the optical circuit switch investment push.

Order intake in this segment fell by 30% to CHF 140 million, and net sales decreased by 14.1% to CHF 132.4 million due to weaker demand in the Mobile Network and CEM Components subsegments. However, the Industry segment saw a surge in order intake by 41.7% to CHF 241.8 million, resulting in a CHF 37.1 million EBIT increase and a 19.6% margin.

The Transportation segment also posted a modest recovery in electric vehicle demand and higher Railway orders, leading to a 10.4% increase in order intake and little change in net sales. Huber+Suhner recently signed a deal to acquire Ingun, a Germany-based high-precision test and electrical contacting solutions provider, which is expected to close by the end of Q3 2026.

The company maintained its full-year guidance, targeting at least 10% organic sales growth and an EBIT margin of 10.5% to 12%, anticipating a stronger second half.