The results were at the top end of analyst estimates.
Continental says it has started 2026 with a good first quarter. The Tires and ContiTech group sectors both increased their adjusted EBIT margins compared with the same quarter of last year, despite ‘burdens from tariffs and exchange-rate effects’.
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For 2026, Continental still expects consolidated sales of around €17.3 billion to €18.9 billion and an adjusted EBIT margin of around 11.0 to 12.5%.
However, first quarter sales of €4.4 billion were down 10.4% on last year’s first quarter.
Adjusted EBIT was put at of €522 million (Q1 2025: €492 million, +6.1%).
Adjusted EBIT Q1 margin was 11.9% (Q1 2025: 10.7%).
The company said a focus on high-margin products, a rebound in the distribution business as well as lower raw material costs supported overall profitability in Q1.
Net income of €200 million was posted for Q1 (Q1 2025: €68 million, up 196.5%).
CEO Christian Kötz said: “We had a good operational start to the year, increasing our profitability in both Tires and ContiTech compared with the same quarter of last year. This gives us momentum. At the same time, geopolitical developments are creating greater uncertainty for consumers and for the economy as a whole.”
CFO Roland Welzbacher added: “It will take time for recent changes in raw material prices to have an impact on us. We are analyzing and assessing the situation and, where necessary, are taking measures to safeguard earnings.”
