Sika Reports Subdued Start to 2026

In its latest trading update, Sika reports a subdued start to 2026 as sales fell by 7.0% year-on-year to CHF 2.49 billion in the first quarter.

The construction chemicals manufacturer attributed this decline to high exchange rates and a weak global construction market exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East.

However, the company reports continued market share gains across all regions, as sales grew by 0.9% in local currencies.

Market Share

Sika’s largest region of Europe, Middle East, Africa, achieved Q1 sales growth of 3.6% in local currencies (2025: 0.7%). Sales improved across Europe from month to month as construction activity picked up after the winter.

Positive growth momentum came in particular from countries in southern and eastern Europe. In the Middle East, construction activities slowed from double-digit growth seen in January and February due to the outbreak of the conflict in the region.

In the Americas region, sales declined by -0.8% in local currencies (2025: 4.9%). Winter storms and economic uncertainty in the USA weighed on construction activity with conditions remaining consistent with Q4 2025.

Data centre activity remained strong and grew at a double-digit rate, and Canada and Latin America proved to be resilient.

In the Asia/Pacific region, sales declined by -2.2% in local currencies (2025: zero growth). The double-digit decline in the Chinese construction business continued to impact performance in Q1. Asia – excluding China – posted positive organic growth of 5.2%, accelerating from Q4 2025. Positive momentum was notable in particular in India and Southeast Asia as well as from the Automotive & Industry business.

Fast Forward

Sika has achieved a good start with the implementation of measures as part of its Fast Forward program to accelerate digital transformation.

The company reports Fast Forward is on track to deliver CHF 80 million of savings in 2026, with CHF 150-200 million annually at full run rate by 2028.

Acquisitions and Investments

In Q1 2026, Sika completed the acquisition of Swedish mortar manufacturer, Finja, to strengthen its presence in northern Europe and expand cross-selling opportunities. The company also announced the acquisition of Turkish-based Akkim, a manufacturer of adhesives and sealants with net sales of around CHF 220 million. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026.

Sika continued to invest in production capacity during the quarter. New facilities were opened in Florida, USA (concrete admixtures), Tanzania (mortar and concrete admixtures serving East Africa), Argentina (dry mortar), Colombia (mortar, tile adhesives, and coatings), and Bangladesh (concrete admixtures and mortar).

Outlook

In 2026, Sika says it expects global market conditions to remain muted, with a single-digit percentage decline for the year as a whole. While the first half will be softer for the construction industry, the company anticipates a gradual improvement in momentum as the year progresses.

Sika intends to increase sales by 1% to 4% in local currencies in line with its target of outperforming the market by 3% to 6%, including bolt-on acquisitions. The company expects to deliver an EBITDA margin of 19.5% to 20.0% for the year.

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