Automotive supplier Bosch posted its first loss since 2009 last fiscal year, with a net deficit of 400 million euros. Despite domestic losses, CEO Stefan Hartung looks ahead optimistically. For 2026, the company forecasts sales growth and a solid operating margin.
Stuttgart. Bosch announced its fiscal year results on Thursday. For the first time since 2009, the foundation-owned group posted red figures, mainly due to losses in Germany. The net loss after taxes amounted to 400 million euros, following a profit of 1.3 billion euros the previous year. The pre-tax result fell to 0.5 billion euros from 2.7 billion euros.
CFO Markus Forschner attributed the weakness to "one-off and special effects beyond the actual business development," including staff reduction costs and tax effects. Bosch has to pay profit taxes in many countries while generating no profits in its home market of Germany. A savings program involving thousands of job cuts aims to address this.
Bosch expressed surprising optimism for 2026. CEO Stefan Hartung plans new products and requires substantial funding, including external capital. Despite geopolitical risks from the Iran war and unpredictable policies by US President Donald Trump, the company anticipates sales growth of two to five percent and an operating margin of four to six percent. This year, lower staff cut burdens are expected to provide relief.
