Ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and weak industrial activity in Europe, pushed Fuchs to revise its full-year outlook downward to be on par with 2024, the company said during an earnings call last week.
Fuchs SE reported a drop in pre-tax earnings in the first half of 2025. EBIT fell 4% to €209 million, impacted by inflation-driven cost increases and unfavorable product mix in the Americas. Earnings after tax dropped to €144 million, down from €155 million.
By region, EMEA delivered €1.04 billion in sales, up 1%, largely due to acquisition-driven expansion. Germany saw a decline in revenue amid weak industrial output and a sluggish automotive sector, though South Africa posted gains. EBIT in the region decreased 3% to €109 million.
In Asia-Pacific, sales rose 4% to €506 million, benefiting from growth in China’s specialty lubricants segment and improved performance in India and Australia. EBIT in the region advanced 16% to €64 million.
Additional sales revenues and improved earnings in Asia-Pacific weren’t enough to offset earnings shortfalls, nor the primarily acquisition- and inflation-driven cost increases, Fuchs said.
The Americas posted a 3% revenue increase to €350 million, supported by acquisitions including IRMCO in the U.S. and a distributor in Peru. Still, EBIT dropped 26% to €35 million, as cost pressures and mix effects weighed on results.
“The current economic and geopolitical situation remains tense. Tariff discussions originating from the U.S. and weak industrial production in Europe result in subdued demand from key customer groups,” said Stefan Fuchs, chairman of the executive board.
Fuchs declined to comment.