Continental Increases Profitability by 35% in Second Quarter of 2026

Continental increased profitability by 35% in the second quarter of 2026, raising it to EUR 570 million. The company generated consolidated sales revenue of EUR 4.4 billion in the quarter and reached the final stage of its strategic transformation following the ContiTech divestment. Continental aims to accelerate growth in the premium segment and global investments while focusing entirely on tire production going forward.

Continental, one of the world's leading tire manufacturers, announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. In the second quarter, the company achieved consolidated sales revenue of EUR 4.4 billion while increasing profitability by 35% to EUR 570 million. Supporting its strong financial performance with strategic transformation steps, Continental reached the final stage in transitioning to a new corporate structure focused entirely on tire production following the ContiTech divestment.

Continental Chief Executive Officer Christian Kötz, evaluating the company's second-quarter performance, noted that the strong results, along with the ContiTech divestment, represent an important milestone in the strategic transformation. Kötz stated that completion of the transition to a corporate structure focused solely on tire production would follow.

Continental's tire business outperformed targets
In the second quarter of 2026, Continental increased its adjusted EBIT margin company-wide to 12.9%, while reporting period net profit of EUR 274 million.

Financial performance was driven particularly by the increased share of 18-inch and larger tires in sales, favorable developments in raw material costs, reduced effects of exchange rates and customs tariffs, and implemented cost discipline.

The company's tire business generated EUR 3.3 billion in sales in the second quarter. The adjusted EBIT margin in tire operations rose to 15.3%, exceeding full-year expectations.

Continental maintains its 2026 guidance for tire operations at EUR 13.2-14.2 billion in sales revenue and operating profitability in the range of 13-14.5%.

Continental Chief Financial Officer Roland Welzbacher noted that the company significantly increased profitability and free cash flow, while stating that necessary measures have been taken to counter expected increases in raw material costs in the second half of the year.

Continental continues production and logistics investments
While continuing its strategic transformation, Continental is increasing investments in global tire production and logistics infrastructure.

The company is building its first in-house wind energy facility at its plant in Korbach, Germany. In Illinois, USA, a new, highly automated warehouse investment with a capacity of approximately 500,000 tires is being implemented.

New investments are also being commissioned at Continental's plant in Rayong, Thailand. While motorcycle tire production is beginning at the facility, passenger car and light commercial vehicle tire production capacity is planned to be increased by approximately 3 million units annually.

These investments underscore Continental's strategy to strengthen not only its financial performance but also its global production capacity, logistics infrastructure, and sustainability targets.

Continental focuses on growth in the premium tire segment
Preparing to complete its strategic transformation following the ContiTech divestment, Continental will shape its operations entirely around tire production in the new period.

The company continues to develop a premium product portfolio consisting of tires for automobiles, trucks, buses, two-wheeled vehicles and special applications, as well as intelligent solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers.

In Continental's new strategy, growth in the premium tire segment, increased production capacity, strengthened logistics investments, and expanded sustainable production solutions take priority.

About Continental
Founded in 1871, Continental ranks among the world's leading tire manufacturers and industry specialists. In 2025, the company generated sales of EUR 19.7 billion and employed approximately 76,000 people across 54 countries and markets.

Continental's Tire Group supplies tires for automobiles, trucks, buses, two-wheeled vehicles and specialty applications, as well as intelligent solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers.

With more than 150 years of experience, Continental ranks among the world's largest tire manufacturers. The company's Tire Group generated sales of EUR 13.8 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. The Tire Group, which employs approximately 55,000 people worldwide, operates 19 production and 16 development facilities.