Oerlikon lifts third-quarter orders 14.9% to 458 million Swiss francs

Key Facts

Oerlikon reported on October 29 that third-quarter orders rose to 458 million Swiss francs, compared with 396 million a year earlier, an increase of 14.9% on a comparable basis after adjusting for currency effects. Sales rose to 421 million Swiss francs from 380 million, up 10.1% on the same basis. In Swiss francs, orders increased 15.9% and sales 10.8%. The company said growth in orders and sales confirmed continued positive business momentum. The widening gap between orders and sales highlights the strength of new orders during the period, while sales reflect the commercial activity completed during it.

The performance came in an environment the company described as mixed, with regional conflicts and geopolitical uncertainty continuing. By contrast, purchasing managers' indices in major economies improved and remained above 50 points during the third quarter. Oerlikon said, "Purchasing managers' indices in major economies continued to improve and remained above 50." It said supply constraints for some critical metals, including tungsten and yttrium, led customers to secure the materials needed for production. The company links difficulty obtaining some inputs with customers' efforts to secure supplies needed for their operations.

By sector, orders and sales were supported by aviation and energy activities, including industrial gas turbines, as well as general industries across regions. The company attributed the growth to higher volumes and a positive contribution from prices. It also cited stable demand in luxury goods, while the automotive sector remained weak. It said strong demand in the materials segment was evident in aviation, power generation and general industries. The picture reflects differences between activities that drove growth and those that did not see comparable improvement.

Sales of surface solutions services were 156 million Swiss francs in the third quarter, compared with 146 million in the same period, while components sales were 108 million, compared with 106 million. Sales of materials and equipment reached 157 million Swiss francs, up from 129 million. On an organic basis, sales of surface solutions services grew 6.7%, components 1.2%, and materials and equipment 21.4%. The company said surface solutions services continued to grow, supported by general industries and tools, while components were stable, supported by aviation and continued growth in new applications. These included additive manufacturing and electric-vehicle battery insulation solutions, while materials and equipment benefited from demand and prices, particularly in aviation and energy.

Oerlikon reaffirmed the financial guidance it raised in the first half of the year, targeting sales growth in the mid-single digits at constant exchange rates. This assumption places metal prices among the conditions underpinning the company's guidance, as supply constraints that led some customers to secure materials continued. The third-quarter update was listed on the company's financial calendar for October 29, 2026.